How to Get Family Tree Certificate in Karnataka – Online & Offline Process Guide

In India, documentation to verify family ties and ancestral heritage is necessary for various legal or administrative processes. While there are many critical documents in Karnataka, one of the most important documents is the Family Tree Certificate. The Family Tree Certificate officially describes the internal structure of a family; it delineates the relationships between members and establishes the lineage. Hence, identifying both deceased and living members of a family. The Family Tree Certificate is commonly needed for property transfer, succession claims, and inheritance disputes. It also plays an important role in availing government schemes or pensions. Therefore, having this certificate is required for many personal and legal affairs.

In this blog, you will get to know about

• Family Tree Certificate In Karnataka.
• Why is a Family Tree Certificate in Karnataka needed?
• Online and Offline Process to get a Family Tree Certificate in Karnataka.
• Relevant FAQs.

What Is A Family Tree Certificate In Karnataka?

A Vamsha Vruksha Pramana Patra is a Family Tree certificate in Kannada. It is an official document issued by the respective authority in Karnataka that goes into detail about the family line of an individual. It depicts from generation to generation names of immemorial ancestors, present-day applicants, his parents, grandparents, siblings, and sometimes even the spouses and children. This certificate enables formal proof of the family structure and the relationships between members of that family. It is considered a very important document in proving that an individual belongs to or has belonged to a family and its history.

Importance & Legal Significance Of A Family Tree Certificate In Karnataka

The family tree certificate has numerous legal importances and legal responsibilities in Karnataka:

• Property Matters: It is often required during inheritance, transfer, and mutation of properties. Establishing the legal heirs and their relationship with the deceased property holder, all of whom will submit a Family Tree certificate, helps in identifying all possible claimants to the property.
• Government Schemes And Benefits: Under many government schemes and welfare programs, an individual's proof of family structure and relationships is needed for availing benefits like pensions, insurance claims, and other assistance. Such a case is where the Family Tree Certificate becomes valid proof.
• Legal Proceedings: In some legal cases, especially in family law, inheritance, or succession, the family tree certificate may be crucial evidence for establishing blood relations and legal standing.
• Jobs and Education: In some situations, particularly when claiming reservations/benefits with reference to a family background, a Family Tree Certificate may be requested.
• Banking Transactions: Banks may request a Family Tree Certificate when dealing with a deceased client's account to ascertain legal heirs for the transfer of funds or assets.
• Other Administrative Permits: Different administrative needs | purposes might request a Family Tree Certificate for verification of family lineage/relationship, or connections.

Essential Elements Of A Family Tree Certificate In Karnataka

Typically, such an official Family Tree Certificate from Karnataka would essentially include the following elements:

• Particulars About The Applicant: Name, age, address, and relations to the head of the family.
• Lineage Data: The names of the applicant's parents, grandparents, and possibly more distant ancestors, tracing that person's family lineage.
• Details of the Living Family Members: Names, ages, and relationships to the applicant's siblings, spouse, if any, and children, if any.
• Relationship Chart/Diagram (Sometimes): The certificate clearly states the relationships among all those persons mentioned, without always referring to them in a tabular format.
• Details regarding Issuing Authority: Name and designation of the issuing authority (for instance, Tahsildar) along with official seal and signature.
• Certificate Number and Date of Issue: A unique identification number for the certificate and on which date it was issued.
• Purpose of Application (Sometimes): The person applying might have to state the purpose of getting the certificate, which may be mentioned in the document.

Also Read : Process of Obtaining Vanshavali Documents

Who Can Apply For A Family Tree Certificate In Karnataka?

A family member can easily apply for such a certificate.

Eligible Individuals

Any member of the family who is an adult and resides in Karnataka is entitled to apply for a Family Tree Certificate. An applicant must be the direct descendant of the family whose lineage is to be certified. However, in most cases, the application would be made either by an individual for himself or herself and his or her immediate family members.

When Is It Commonly Required?

Examples of instances where a Family Tree Certificate may be required include:

• Inheritance of property following the death of a family member.
• To claim the insurance or pension benefits of a deceased relative.
• When applying for government schemes that require proof of family background.
• For court proceedings regarding family disputes and succession.
• For bank-related purposes, the matter involves the transfer or inheritance of a deceased person's assets.

Which Authority Issues The Family Tree Certificate In Karnataka?

In Karnataka, the Tahsildar (formally called the Taluk Magistrate) of the respective Taluk (administrative division) is the principal authority with regard to the Family Tree Certificate. The traditional processing is through the Revenue Department at the Taluk level.

How To Get Family Tree Certificate In Karnataka?

One can opt for either online or offline mode to get a Family Tree Certificate in Karnataka.

Offline Process

Traditionally, in Karnataka, a Family Tree Certificate application would require to be present physically and submit a paper application to the Taluk Office or the Tahsildar's Office in the location where the applicant resides.

• Visit the Taluk Office: Go to the Taluk Office, pertaining to your area. Then, ask for the specific department or section having to do with Family Tree Certificate issuance. Usually, this is from the Revenue Department.
• Obtain the Application Form: You may ask for a family tree certificate application form, which would be obtained against a nominal charge in some cases.
• Fill the Application Form: Fill all the required details in the application form with utmost precision. This includes applicant's information, deceased family member (if any), and details of all the family members whose names are to be included in the family tree. Spellings and dates should be accurate and finalized.
• Attach Required Documents: Prepare all the supporting papers listed below and affix them to the filled application form. Ensure you preserve photocopies of the original document, and self-attest the same wherever needed.
• Submit the Application: Submit the fully filled-out application form along with the documents attached to the responsibility of the official at the Taluk Office.
• Fee Payment: The relevant fees in the form of processing charges mentioned must be paid. You need to obtain a receipt that serves as your record of having paid the fees.
• Verification Process: Post the submission, Revenue Officials shall begin the verification stage. This may include scrutinizing the documents submitted, corroborating against relevant records, and possibly making some local inquiries to help them verify the family particulars in question.
• Certificate Generation: The Family Tree certificate will be written if the verification procedure goes successful and the reasonable requirements satisfied by the authorities.
• Collect the Certificate: Get informed about when the certificate can be collected. Visit the Taluk Office on this assigned date. Produce your acknowledgment receipt, and finally collect the original Family Tree Certificate.

Online Process (via Nadakacheri And Seva Sindu Portal)

The Government of Karnataka has streamlined many citizen-centric services through online portals like Nadakacheri and Seva Sindhu.

• Visit the Nadakacheri or Seva Sindhu Portal: Visit the official Nadakacheri website or the Seva Sindhu portal. Both of these portals allow access to various Government services, including the application for a Family Tree Certificate.
• Register/Login: New user can register on this portal by submitting a few basic details. To do so, existing users have to log in using their username and password.
• 

• Navigate to Family Tree Certificate Service: When you've logged in, go grab the section for available services. Look for "Revenue Department" or "Certificate." This will bring you to the service for "Family Tree Certificate" or "Vamsha Vruksha Pramana Patra."
• Fill the Online Application Form: When the application link is clicked, one has to fill in all the details required in the online form. This includes details about the applicant, the family lineage, and all the other particulars that are required in the offline form. Make sure everything is accurate while feeding in the details.
• Upload Scanned Documents: Scan and upload copies of every supporting document required as mentioned below. Ensure that the documents are clear and readable, and are satisfied with the prescribed formats and sizes.
• Pay Applicable Fees Online: The stipulated application service charges can be made by online payment through their integrated payment gateway during the registration process, for confirmation through a receipt of payment afterward.
• Submit the Application: You may submit your online application after filling in the form, uploading the documents, and paying the fees. After this, you will receive an application reference number or acknowledgement.

List Of Important Documents Required For A Family Tree Certificate

Following are the documents required for getting a Vamsha Vriksha certificate.

• Your full name
• Names and dates of birth of all family members-living and deceased
• Relationship of each family member to the head of the family (if deceased)
• Occupation of each family member (optional)

Validity Of Family Tree Certificate

A Family Tree Certificate issued in the State of Karnataka does not have a term of validity. Once issued, it continues to remain valid as a record of family lineage as it existed on the date of issue. However, for major changes affecting the family, such as births, deaths, or marriages, it may require a new certificate to reflect the changed family tree. Thus, while the certificate does not die by itself, it may lose practical value later as family members may change. The authorities may, however, ask for a recently issued certificate for a transaction to ensure that the information is current.

How To Check Application Status Of Family Tree Certificate?

Most likely, if you have filed an application for a family Tree Certificate online on the Nadakacheri or Seva Sindhu portal, you should be able to check your application status online. The portal usually provides an option called Track Application Status or similar, where the applicant can type in their application reference number to view the current stage of processing. Otherwise, for offline applications, one may find out by visiting the Taluk Office or by probing their concerned officials about the progress. Keep your acknowledgement receipt ready for reference.

Fees, Stamp Paper Requirements, And Timeline

• Fees: Karnataka has laid down a specified fee for applying for a Family Tree Certificate. The amount differs as per the Taluk and changes in government regulations. Hence, the amount may vary to a small extent. But it will be very nominal. In case of online application, the amount is to be paid via online payment gateway, while for offline applications, the amount is payable at the Taluk Office counter.
• Stamp Paper: A self-declaration or an affidavit on stamp paper of a specified denomination (e.g., ₹20 or ₹50) is generally required to be submitted during the application process. The specified denomination would be indicated in the application or otherwise informed to the applicant by the officials.
• Timeline: The time taken to process and issue a Family Tree Certificate may be longer or shorter. It normally takes between 15-30 working days from the day of application submission, as long as all documents are in order and the verification goes without a hitch. Applications submitted online may, on occasion, be processed perhaps a few days faster, as it involves a more streamlined workflow. There could be a lot of other reasons too, like maybe some administrative reasons, or occasionally, the documentation might not be complete.

How To Download Family Tree Certificate In Karnataka

The family tree certificate applied online through Nadakacheri or Seva Sindhu portal can only be downloaded when approved and generated. Status updates are usually communicated by way of SMS or email.

• Head to Nadakacheri or Seva Sindhu portal.
• Log in to your account using the credentials assigned to you.
• Go to either the Track Application Status or Download Certificates section.
• Enter the application reference number or find the approved certificate list.
• On the next window, you should have a link to download the digitally signed Family Tree Certificate in PDF format.
• Click on this link and save the certificate to your device.

Sample Format Of Family Tree Certificate In Karnataka

The sample format of a family tree certificate is as follows:

Government of Karnataka
Revenue Department
Office of the Tahsildar
[District/ Taluk Name]

FAMILY TREE CERTIFICATE

Certificate No.: _____________
Date: //____

This is to certify that the following individuals are the family members/legal heirs of Shri/Smt. [Name of Deceased/Family Head], son/daughter of [Father's Name], resident of [Full Address], as per the records available and based on the verification conducted.

Family Tree Details:

This certificate is issued for the purpose of [mention reason: e.g., property transfer, pension claim, legal heir identification, etc.].

Place: [Location]
Date: //____

Signature
[Seal & Signature of the Issuing Authority]
Name: ____________________
Designation: ______________
Office of the Tahsildar, [Taluk/District Name]

Conclusion

Getting the Family Tree Certificate in Karnataka is an essential exercise for applicants to substantiate their familial lineage, fulfill a legal obligation, and for administrative and financial purposes. Although it can be complicated, the introduction of the Nadakacheri and Seva Sindhu application methods is an essential factor that provided applicants the opportunity to apply offline and online. Understanding the need for this document and its significance, eligibility requirements, supporting documents, and process will help the applicant apply effortlessly. Applicants can simply obtain this important certificate from the designated Tahsildar's office if they provide all the information correctly and the required documentation.

FAQs

A few FAQs are:

Q1. Are family tree and legal heir certificate the same?

No, a family tree certificate outlines the lineage and relationships within a family, while a legal heir certificate specifically identifies the legal successors of a deceased person for inheritance purposes. Although a family tree can be a supporting document for obtaining a legal heir certificate, they serve distinct primary functions.

Q2. How much does it cost to get a family tree Certificate?

The cost to obtain a Family Tree Certificate in Karnataka is usually nominal, involving a small application fee payable at the Taluk Office or online portal, along with the cost of the stamp paper for the self-declaration. The exact amount may vary slightly based on the Taluk and prevailing regulations.

Q3. Is a family tree required for self-acquired property?

While not always strictly mandatory, a Family Tree Certificate can still be beneficial for self-acquired property, especially when establishing the relationship of potential heirs in case of the owner's demise without a will. It helps in clearly documenting the family structure and can simplify future legal processes.  

Q4. How long does it take to get a family tree certificate in Karnataka?

The processing time for a Family Tree Certificate in Karnataka typically ranges from 15 to 30 working days, depending on the application volume, verification process, and efficiency of the issuing authority. Online applications might sometimes experience slightly faster processing compared to offline submissions.

Q5. Can I apply for a family tree certificate if I am not a resident of Karnataka?

Generally, the Family Tree Certificate is issued by the Karnataka state authorities for families residing within its jurisdiction. If you are not a resident but need to establish the family tree of someone who was a resident of Karnataka, you might need to provide proof of their residency and your relationship to them, and the application might need to be made by a current resident family member.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For personalized legal guidance, please consult with a qualified family lawyer.