Family Law

Legitimacy of Children

The legal status of a child as being born of a valid (or, in some cases, voidable) marriage, which affects rights like inheritance.

Children born of a void or voidable marriage are, under Indian law, still treated as legitimate for most practical purposes including inheritance from their parents, even though the marriage itself may later be annulled — a protection specifically built into personal law to safeguard children from a dispute that isn't their doing.

Legitimacy questions can still matter significantly in inheritance disputes involving joint family or ancestral property.

Need a Family lawyer? Browse Family Lawyers