New Delhi: After marriage, Indian women often embrace their in-laws’ home as their own, building a life with their husband, children, and in-laws. But how much right does a daughter-in-law have to her in-laws’ property within this family unit? Let’s find out what the law states.

Does a Daughter-in-Law Have a Right to Her Father-in-Law’s and Mother-in-Law’s Property?

There are several legal provisions concerning a daughter-in-law’s rights to her in-laws’ property.

If the in-laws have purchased the property themselves, the daughter-in-law generally has no inherent right to it. However, if the in-laws wish, they can transfer their property to their daughter-in-law or any other relative through a will. This remains their personal decision.

If the mother-in-law and father-in-law wish to give away their self-acquired property, the daughter-in-law can only obtain this right through her husband. This happens when the husband transfers his property rights to his wife, or when the daughter-in-law inherits the property after her husband’s death. If the in-laws do not wish to give their self-acquired property to their daughter-in-law, she cannot lay claim to that property.

Daughter-in-Law’s Claim to Ancestral Property

According to the law, if the family possesses ancestral property, a daughter-in-law may have the right to claim a share. However, this is subject to certain conditions. A daughter-in-law can only receive a share in her in-laws’ ancestral property under two specific circumstances:

The first situation is when her husband transfers a portion of his share in the property to his wife’s name.

The second situation is when a daughter-in-law can claim ancestral property after her husband’s death.

Therefore, a daughter-in-law generally has no right to her in-laws’ self-acquired property. However, she can claim rights to ancestral property. It is crucial for everyone to be accurately informed about this law to avoid any future disputes.

Please Note: If you have a specific case, it is advisable to consult a legal expert (lawyer). The information provided here is based solely on court decisions and articles. If you require information for a particular case, you should consult an appropriate lawyer.