Q481. How to buy brother’s share of joint property in India

Question: My father had buy a plot on his name, i and my brother is equally nomini but not in written, i had a younger sister too. I want to buy my brothers half portion after paying AN amount of it and i want to make full plot in my name without any future disputes. Suggest method to do this with an minimum expenses...THANKS. B Singh

Answer: If there is no written will, you need to have a agreement with all relatives who may lay a claim for the share of the property. Provided no relative disputes your ownership, you can buy the share of the other owners as per agreements that you reach with them. You should contact a lawyer to guide you in completing all the paper work and drafting out the agreements to prove your exclusive ownership. Property mutation has to be done, after mutation procedure is completed, future tax charged on the property will be only in your name. Property mutation can be done faster If no one disputes, then the process becomes easier. Either way hire a good lawyer to guide you. Property matters are tricky and a bit of work before hand can avoid unnecessary legal hassles later. As far as minimum expenses are concerned, that will depend on your skills of finding a good and honest lawyer. Good luck!