My mother owned several things in her name before death, like phone connection was in her name. (INDIAN laws)?

Question

She was the 'owner' of things like LPG connection, landline telephone connection, Electricity meter connection, water connection meter, home registry etc.

Now she died about 1month ago of natural causes. Is it necessary for us to change the name of 'owner' in this case. Like if we do nothing and do not inform the service providers (like telephone company, electricity company etc.), would it be unlawful in any manner? That is, the owner continues to remain my mother. I pay all the bills which are in her name in the above cases through standing instructions on my credit card.

Though we have already informed local municipality/government about her death through the hospital in which she died. That is we have completed bare minimum requirement of informing municipality. My father is still alive. I live in India.

Do we need to do anything else? Please advise.

Answer 1

you can leave all utilities in your mothers name, it's all legal.

Answer 2

As far as you are paying the bills on her behalf there is no disconnection. But when some problem arises etc. and authorities are to be approached the application needs to be from her or it will not be addressed by the authorities. This is the reason that the change of name is necessary. As per Hindu law husband if alive is the legal heir and hence her death certificate along with the application from husband needs to be submitted to the concened authroties for change of name.

Answer 3

If not legally, then at least you are ethically bound to assume ownership of the various accounts that were previously in your mother's name.

My condolences to you and your family.

Answer 4

1.gas connection - to person A

2.electric meter - to person B

3.telephone connection -to person C

4.water connection - person D

5.home - decide for yourself what to do.

my condolences to you and your father.

except for home - which needs to be transfered and registered - other can be done changed easily by submitting death certificate.

what about bank accounts?