Lost a family elder? Here's how you can start sorting his estate

I'm a working professional from Hyderabad. We are Hindu. After my grandfather passed away, the family is not sure how to begin collecting and distributing his estate, beyond getting the death certificate.

- Shaishavi Kadakia & Sachi Shah

—Name withheld on request

At the outset, check if your grandfather left a Will. If he did, the estate must be distributed as per its terms. If not, it will be divided among legal heirs under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. If there is a will, identify the named executor, who is responsible for carrying out its terms—this includes arranging the funeral, collecting assets, settling liabilities, dealing with authorities, paying taxes, and obtaining probate if required. The executor will need to get a PAN for the estate. If you find more than one will, seek legal advice on which one applies. Typically, the latest will overrides earlier ones unless stated otherwise.