New Delhi, Oct. 9 -- When an NRI based in Uganda lost his father, grief was only the beginning of his ordeal. His father left behind an apartment in Ahmedabad, fixed deposits (FDs), and a demat account-but no Will. What should have been a straightforward inheritance turned into a nine-month legal and logistical battle.

The housing society managing the apartment refused to transfer ownership without a legal heir certificate. "They asked for an official proof of entitlement to hand over the keys and update their internal records... without a Will or legal heir certificate, they said they could face legal liability," he recalled.

The same demand came from the bank for FDs and demat holdings.

"For nine months I was coordinating with lawyer...