Property Rights of a Child after their parent's divorce

Property Rights of a Child after their parent's divorce

Soumya Shekhar
Soumya Shekhar
03 min read 37589 Views
Lk Blog
Last Updated: Nov 3, 2024

When a couple gets divorced, the biggest casualty of this divorce is the children. They suffer from emotional and mental trauma. Future insecurity and doubts over the inheritance of property should not be added to this already stressful time. Hence, it is important to know how a child would get a share in their parents' property after their divorce. 

Right of a daughter in her father's property

The daughter's rights in the share of her father's property have always been one of the most talked-about aspects dealing with equality and justice. After 2005, daughters became coparceners in ancestral property. In 2020, the Supreme Court held that daughters would have an equal right to their father's property, even if they passed away before 2005. This further strengthened their inheritance rights.

The coparceners' daughters will benefit from the judgment and will be given equal rights as sons in their father's property. They would now have a right to inherit their father's property by birth. The daughter can also request a share in the property and bequeath her share in a will. But this case is only limited to HUF property.

A daughter has the right to both her father's ancestral property, which has been passed from her grandfather and in the self-acquired property of her father. A father, however by will, may exclude a daughter or a son from his property. 

A daughter will continue to be a coparcener in the ancestral property, even after her parents' divorce. She will have a claim on her parents' property even after divorce. However, if the property is self-acquired, then she will have a right over the property if she has not been specifically excluded from the will of her parent's intestate. 

You May Also Read: Know About Daughter's Rights in Mother's Property

People Also read: Daughters' Right to Inherit Self-Acquired Property

Child's rights on father's property after divorce in India

Children's rights in their father's ancestral property are not affected upon divorce. Unless there is a will excluding them from inheriting the ancestral property. 

A father's self-acquired property is his own. He can choose to dispose of or transfer it in any manner he pleases to choose. A child cannot claim as a birthright, share in his father's self-acquired property. Typically, parents bequeath their self-acquired property to their children. If a father dies without a will, a child has a share in his self-acquired property as well, in the absence of a will to the contrary. The rights of children in the property of their father remain unaffected after divorce but depend on the father making a will; else, if he dies intestate, the rights to inherit the property is with the surviving legal heirs, and a child irrespective of divorce is a legal heir of his/her father.

People Also Read: Supreme Court Judgements On Ancestral Property

Those who read this Article also Consulted a Lawyer about Child's property rights. 

Legal rights of a son on father's property in India

The son is treated as a Class I heir of his father's property. He has a legal right over his father's ancestral property. He also has an equal share in his father's self-acquired property if the father dies intestate.  

According to the Mitakshara School under Hindu Law, the son has a right by birth in his father's and grandfather's property. If it is a self-acquired property of the parents/father, the son cannot claim it. But there can be a consideration regarding the same if he can prove his contribution to the property.  The self-acquired property is unlike ancestral property. It is created and contains his earnings and property, which he has acquired independently. 

While a son has a right by birth in his father's ancestral property, he does not have such rights in his father's self-acquired property. If the father chooses to exclude his son from his will, a son will not get any share of his father's self-acquired property. 

A son is his father's legal heir and coparcener in ancestral property. If the parents get divorced, a son gets his share of inheritance in the ancestral property, as it is his birthright. A son may also get a share of his father's self-acquired property after divorce if his father does not exclude him from the same or dies without creating a will.

People Also Read: Everything You Should Know About Inheritance Laws In India

You May Also Read: Grandchildren Inheritance Rights in India

Frequently asked questions

Can children claim property after divorce of their parents?

Children do not have a direct claim to their parents' property solely because of a divorce. However, they have inheritance rights to their parents' property as legal heirs. This means that if a parent passes away, the child can claim their share of the property according to inheritance laws.

What happens to a child after divorce?

After a divorce, decisions regarding the custody, support, and welfare of the child are made based on the best interests of the child. This includes determining which parent the child will live with (custody), visitation rights for the non-custodial parent, and financial support (child support). Courts aim to ensure the child's stability and well-being throughout this process.

Can my wife claim my parents' property after divorce?

No, your wife cannot claim your parents' property after divorce. Property owned by your parents is not subject to division in your divorce settlement. However, she can claim a share of the property that you own or are entitled to, depending on the laws of the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of your divorce.

 

In case of divorce, who will get the child in India?

In India, child custody is decided based on the best interests of the child. The court considers various factors, including the child's age, emotional needs, and the ability of each parent to provide for the child's welfare. Custody can be awarded to the mother, father, or jointly, depending on what is deemed best for the child.

Can a wife claim the husband's property after divorce in India?

In India, a wife does not automatically have a claim to her husband's property after divorce. The division of assets and alimony is determined by the court based on factors like the duration of the marriage, the financial status of both parties, and contributions to the marriage. However, she may be entitled to a share of the matrimonial home or financial support.

How to deal with parents' divorce as a kid?

Dealing with parents' divorce as a kid can be challenging. Here are some tips:

  1. Talk to Someone: Find a trusted person to talk to about your feelings, such as a friend, counselor, or family member.
  2. Stay Connected: Keep in touch with both parents, if possible, and maintain relationships with siblings and friends.
  3. Express Your Feelings: Write down your thoughts and feelings or engage in activities that help you express yourself.
  4. Seek Support: Join support groups or seek professional counseling if needed.
  5. Focus on School and Hobbies: Engage in school activities and hobbies to maintain a sense of normalcy and enjoyment.

How to win child custody for mothers in India?

To increase the chances of winning child custody, mothers can:

  1. Show Stability: Demonstrate financial, emotional, and environmental stability.
  2. Provide Evidence: Present evidence of involvement in the child's upbringing, such as school records, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.
  3. Best Interests: Highlight how being with the mother is in the best interests of the child, focusing on emotional and developmental needs.
  4. Legal Counsel: Hire an experienced family lawyer to navigate the legal process effectively.
  5. Positive Parenting: Maintain a positive and cooperative approach towards co-parenting.

At what age can a father get custody of his child in India?

In India, there is no specific age at which a father can automatically get custody. However, the courts generally prefer to keep young children, especially those under the age of 5, with their mothers, unless there are compelling reasons to do otherwise. As the child grows older, the father's chances of getting custody may increase, particularly if he can prove that it is in the best interests of the child.

How can a father win a child custody case in India?

To increase the chances of winning child custody, fathers can:

  1. Prove Capability: Show financial stability, emotional support, and a suitable living environment for the child.
  2. Involvement: Demonstrate active involvement in the child's life, including education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.
  3. Best Interests: Emphasize how living with the father serves the best interests of the child.
  4. Legal Assistance: Engage an experienced family lawyer to present the case effectively.
  5. Positive Relationship: Maintain a positive relationship with the child and avoid any behavior that could be perceived as hostile or uncooperative.

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Frequently asked questions

Can children claim property after divorce of their parents?

Children do not have a direct claim to their parents' property solely because of a divorce. However, they have inheritance rights to their parents' property as legal heirs. This means that if a parent passes away, the child can claim their share of the property according to inheritance laws.

What happens to a child after divorce?

After a divorce, decisions regarding the custody, support, and welfare of the child are made based on the best interests of the child. This includes determining which parent the child will live with (custody), visitation rights for the non-custodial parent, and financial support (child support). Courts aim to ensure the child's stability and well-being throughout this process.

Can my wife claim my parents' property after divorce?

No, your wife cannot claim your parents' property after divorce. Property owned by your parents is not subject to division in your divorce settlement. However, she can claim a share of the property that you own or are entitled to, depending on the laws of the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of your divorce.

 

In case of divorce, who will get the child in India?

In India, child custody is decided based on the best interests of the child. The court considers various factors, including the child's age, emotional needs, and the ability of each parent to provide for the child's welfare. Custody can be awarded to the mother, father, or jointly, depending on what is deemed best for the child.

Can a wife claim the husband's property after divorce in India?

In India, a wife does not automatically have a claim to her husband's property after divorce. The division of assets and alimony is determined by the court based on factors like the duration of the marriage, the financial status of both parties, and contributions to the marriage. However, she may be entitled to a share of the matrimonial home or financial support.

How to deal with parents' divorce as a kid?

Dealing with parents' divorce as a kid can be challenging. Here are some tips:

  1. Talk to Someone: Find a trusted person to talk to about your feelings, such as a friend, counselor, or family member.
  2. Stay Connected: Keep in touch with both parents, if possible, and maintain relationships with siblings and friends.
  3. Express Your Feelings: Write down your thoughts and feelings or engage in activities that help you express yourself.
  4. Seek Support: Join support groups or seek professional counseling if needed.
  5. Focus on School and Hobbies: Engage in school activities and hobbies to maintain a sense of normalcy and enjoyment.

How to win child custody for mothers in India?

To increase the chances of winning child custody, mothers can:

  1. Show Stability: Demonstrate financial, emotional, and environmental stability.
  2. Provide Evidence: Present evidence of involvement in the child's upbringing, such as school records, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.
  3. Best Interests: Highlight how being with the mother is in the best interests of the child, focusing on emotional and developmental needs.
  4. Legal Counsel: Hire an experienced family lawyer to navigate the legal process effectively.
  5. Positive Parenting: Maintain a positive and cooperative approach towards co-parenting.

At what age can a father get custody of his child in India?

In India, there is no specific age at which a father can automatically get custody. However, the courts generally prefer to keep young children, especially those under the age of 5, with their mothers, unless there are compelling reasons to do otherwise. As the child grows older, the father's chances of getting custody may increase, particularly if he can prove that it is in the best interests of the child.

How can a father win a child custody case in India?

To increase the chances of winning child custody, fathers can:

  1. Prove Capability: Show financial stability, emotional support, and a suitable living environment for the child.
  2. Involvement: Demonstrate active involvement in the child's life, including education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.
  3. Best Interests: Emphasize how living with the father serves the best interests of the child.
  4. Legal Assistance: Engage an experienced family lawyer to present the case effectively.
  5. Positive Relationship: Maintain a positive relationship with the child and avoid any behavior that could be perceived as hostile or uncooperative.

Online Consultations

LegalKart - Lawyers are online
LegalKart - Lawyers are online
LegalKart - Lawyers are online
+144 Online Lawyers
Lawyers are consulting with their respective clients
+21 Online Calls
Talk To Lawyer Or Online Consultation - LegalKart