As an Indian living in the UK, I’m unfamiliar with the legal process for claiming ancestral land in India. My late father owned a share in family property, and I’ve been advised to get a title search and survey done. Why is this necessary? What are the next steps after getting this done? If my claim is contested, what are the likely court proceedings, timelines, and associated costs?

A title search and survey establish your legal claim to the property, proving your father’s ownership and your inheritance rights. After obtaining these documents, you’ll need to file a claim in the appropriate Indian court, which may require legal representation. If contested, the court proceedings involve presenting evidence, arguments, and potentially mediation or a full trial. Timelines and costs vary depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s workload.