Can a married daughter claim her father's money after his death?
Yes, and on exactly the same terms as a son. A daughter is a Class I heir of her father whether she is married or not, and she takes one full share of his self-acquired property, equal to each brother's. Marriage changes nothing. Since the 2005 amendment she is also a coparcener in ancestral property by birth, with the same rights as a son — confirmed by the Supreme Court in Vineeta Sharma v Rakesh Sharma (2020), regardless of when her father died.
Self-acquired property: an equal share
The Hindu Succession Act has always listed daughters among a man's Class I heirs alongside sons, and section 10 gives each child one equal share. A married daughter's share is not reduced, forfeited or conditional. The idea that a daughter "belongs to her husband's family" has no basis in the Act, and an affidavit of heirship that leaves out married daughters is the commonest reason a family's claim is rejected or later challenged.
Ancestral property: a share by birth
In undivided ancestral property, the 2005 amendment to section 6 made daughters coparceners by birth, with the same rights and liabilities as sons. The Supreme Court settled in Vineeta Sharma v Rakesh Sharma (2020) that this applies whether or not the father was alive on the date of the amendment. So a daughter's share in ancestral property is hers already, and only the father's own share in it passes by succession.
If she is being asked to sign it away
A daughter may release her share to her mother or brothers if she genuinely chooses to, by a written release deed. She cannot be required to, and a no-objection letter signed under pressure or without understanding what it gives up can be challenged. Institutions settling a claim need every heir listed and either claiming or consenting; they do not need a daughter to disclaim.
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Last reviewed 2026-08-31. This is general information, not legal advice. Institution requirements change — confirm before you file.