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Kerala lawyer for NRIs in USA

Kerala legal help for NRIs and OCI card holders in the United States

If you are based in the US and dealing with Kerala property, an inheritance, a family dispute, or FEMA compliance for a property sale — I handle these matters remotely with local court access across Kerala. Most of the process does not require you to travel.

US time-zone schedulingEvening and weekend consultation slots available for US-based clients
NRI + OCI awareSpecific guidance for both Indian passport holders and OCI card holders
FEMA + tax coordinationProperty sale repatriation, TDS, Form 15CA/15CB compliance
Hague Convention PoAUS apostille process for Power of Attorney — no consulate visit needed
Common matters for US-based clients

What NRIs and OCI card holders in the US typically need

Inherited property — what to do with it

Legal heir certificate, succession certificate, mutation, and the decision to keep, sell, or partition inherited Kerala property. For OCI holders, inheritance rights include agricultural land even though purchase is restricted.

Property diligence and protection

Title verification, encumbrance review, possession monitoring, tax compliance, and builder disputes — managed through PoA while you stay in the US.

Family law across US-India borders

Divorce jurisdiction planning (India vs US), custody arrangements when children are in different countries, and maintenance claims under Kerala courts — coordinated with US-side legal realities.

FEMA compliance for NRI property transactions

Sale proceeds routing (NRO account mandatory), repatriation cap (USD 1M/year), TDS certificates (Form 26QB), lower-TDS applications (Section 197), and Form 15CA/15CB for remittance.

How I work with US-based clients

A structured process designed for the distance

US-based clients often want a clear process before committing. Here is exactly how matters are handled from initial call to Kerala-side execution.

Who should use this page

You want to understand the full process before booking

A consultation maps the legal issue, the applicable Kerala law, the documents needed, and whether PoA is required — so you know exactly what you are getting into before the next step.

The matter involves inherited assets, co-owners, or family records

When multiple heirs are in different countries, property records are incomplete, or a family dispute requires coordination between US and Kerala — the process needs to be sequenced carefully.

You need FEMA and tax guidance alongside the legal work

Property sales by NRIs and OCI holders involve TDS at 20-30%, capital gains planning under Section 54/54EC, and remittance compliance. I coordinate with CAs to handle this alongside the legal work.

Choose the right level of help

One-hour consultation

You need a Kerala legal assessment before moving money, signing papers, or responding to family pressure from the US.

  • Assessment of the legal issue under applicable Kerala or central law
  • Clear recommendation on PoA requirements, forum, documents, and timeline
  • US evening and weekend slots available
Book a consultation from the US

Document review and PoA planning

Inherited property, family records, title documents, or succession papers need professional review before you travel or sign anything.

  • Review of deeds, certificates, wills, court orders, or settlement terms
  • PoA drafting for US apostille (Hague Convention — no consulate visit needed)
  • Written opinion on risks, defects, and recommended Kerala-side steps
Scope a document review

Full Kerala-side execution

Court filings, property registration, mutation, or ongoing dispute management need to happen in Kerala while you remain in the US.

  • Court representation across 5 Kerala districts and the High Court
  • Administrative filings, revenue office follow-ups, and registration work
  • Regular status updates and coordination with your US-side advisors
Discuss full representation
FAQ

Common questions

How do USA-based NRIs typically start a Kerala legal matter?

With an online consultation. We assess the issue — property, inheritance, family, or FEMA compliance — determine the right Kerala forum, and build a document checklist and action plan. Most initial steps do not require travel.

What is the Power of Attorney process for NRIs in the USA?

The PoA is executed before a US Notary, then apostilled by the Secretary of State (since the US is a Hague Convention country). Indian consulate attestation may also be used. The process takes 3–6 weeks and costs approximately $100–300. The PoA must be specific — naming the property by survey number, village, taluk, and district.

Can OCI card holders inherit and sell property in Kerala?

OCI holders can inherit property, including agricultural land. However, they face restrictions on purchasing agricultural land directly. Sale proceeds go through NRO accounts with a USD 1 million per financial year repatriation cap. TDS at 20-30% applies depending on the holding period.

What FEMA compliance do I need for selling inherited property in Kerala?

Sale proceeds must be deposited into an NRO account (not NRE). For repatriation above ₹5 lakh, you need Form 15CA (online declaration) and Form 15CB (CA certificate). A lower TDS certificate under Section 197 of the Income Tax Act can reduce the upfront TDS from 20-30% to the actual liability.

Need a Kerala lawyer who understands the US-India process?

Book a consultation to get a legal assessment of your property, inheritance, or family matter. I handle NRI and OCI cases with US time-zone scheduling, Hague Convention PoA guidance, and FEMA compliance coordination.

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