How to Obtain Relationship Certificate in Kerala

Quick Legal Answer

In India, a Relationship Certificate in Kerala is an official document issued by the Village Office/Revenue Department that certifies the relationship between family members, mainly for legal, administrative, or official purposes.

It is commonly required for government benefits, pension claims, school admissions, or legal verification of family relationships.

The process usually involves:

• Applying through the e-District Kerala portal or at the Village Office
• Submitting documents like ID proof, address proof, and supporting family documents
• Providing a self-declaration or affidavit (if required)
• Verification by local authorities
• Issuance of the Relationship Certificate after approval

Jurisdiction & Applicability

This guide applies to:

• Residents of Kerala requiring proof of family relationships
• Individuals applying for government schemes, pensions, or educational purposes
• Cases where official confirmation of parent-child, spouse, or sibling relationship is needed
• Citizens dealing with administrative or legal documentation

When This Guide Applies

Use this guide if you are dealing with:

• Proof of family relationship for official purposes
• Applying for pension, scholarships, or benefits
• Verification of relationship in government records
• School/college admissions requiring family proof
• Administrative procedures needing certified family linkage

When This Guide Does NOT Apply

This guide does not apply to:

• Legal heir or inheritance claims requiring a Legal Heir Certificate or Succession Certificate
• Property disputes requiring court intervention
• Informal claims without valid supporting documents
• Situations where relationship proof is not officially required

A relationship certificate is a legal document that proves the relationship between two people. These certificates can be used to validate familial relationships, such as those between parents and children or to legally recognize a marriage or partnership.

Types of Relationship Certificates

• Parent-Child Relationship Certificate: This certificate is frequently required to establish the legal link between parents and their children, regardless of whether the children have citizenship in another nation. To receive this certificate, supporting documentation such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID or ration card would be necessary.
• Marriage Certificate: In many countries, a marriage certificate is a legal document that verifies a couple’s marital status.
• Partnership Certificate: In some regions, you can register your relationship and receive a certificate that recognises the partnership.
• Bilingual Relationship Certificate: This sort of certificate can be given to one or more people. A completed affidavit, copies of passports and Civil ID cards are examples of required documents.

Requirements and Procedures for a Relationship Certificate

The standards and processes for getting a relationship certificate vary depending on the nature of the connection and the granting authority. Here’s a summary of the general process:

General Requirements

Application: A written application is usually required, which includes the grounds for the application, the relationship and the names along with CID numbers of the individuals involved.

Supporting Documents: Several supporting documents are typically required, which may include:

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID
• Ration card
• Citizenship certificates
• Birth certificates
• Passports
• Passport-size photographs
• Offer Letter or Confirmation of Enrollment (COE) for studies and dependent VISA.
• Valid VISA of a spouse/relative if a person is being invited by him or her who is residing abroad.
• Medical Referral Letter/medical prescription of hospital for medical purposes.

Procedure to Obtain Relation Certificate in Kerala

• Application Submission: Applicants must submit their applications online through designated centers or directly to the issuing agency.
• Document Verification: The application and the required documents have been validated. The applicant’s link with each person indicated in the application is verified against records.
• Additional Verification (if necessary): A verification report from a local government official may be required to confirm the relationship, particularly if it is not recorded in civil records.
• Certificate Issuance: After verification is completed, the relationship certificate is prepared, printed, signed and sealed.

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Specific Certificates and Procedures for Relationship Certificates

• Parent-Child Relationship Certificate: This certificate may require documentation such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID or ration card.
• Marriage Certificate: Marriage certificates are issued upon marriage registration. The process may include applying in person or online, with witnesses required.
• Relationship Certificate with Sponsor: To receive this certificate, the applicant must go to their local government with their parents’ and siblings’ citizenship certificates, as well as their own birth certificate.

Format of a Relationship Certificate 

No……………………………………………………………………………………… Dated: …………………………………….. This is to certify that ……………………………..…….………… (Name of the sponsorer) son / daughter of ………………………….. (Father’s Name of the sponsorer) residing at …………………………….………………………………………………….…. (Full address of the sponsorer) is his/her (Tick the appropriate relationship and strike out others) 1) 2) 3) Own brother / own sister or Father’s own brother (or) Mother’s own brother or Father’s own sister (or) Mother’s own sister of ……………..…………………………………………………………. (Candidate’s name), son / daughter of ……………………………………….……………………… (Father’s name of the candidate) residing at ……………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………….. (Full address of the candidate). 

Signature of the Tahsildar 

with Office Seal

Where to Apply for a Relationship Certificate?

Local governments, such as municipal offices or Village Development Committees, often issue relationship certificates. In some places, applications can be submitted through designated centres. 

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The time frame for issuing the certificate can vary. In Kerala, a Relationship Certificate is issued 7 days after the application is submitted.

Legal Framework 

The Kerala (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Regulation of Issue of Community Certificates Act, 1996 governs the issuance of community and relationship certificates. It provides the procedures for verifying caste and community claims related to K. P. Padmanabhan VS State Of Kerala – Kerala (2010).

The Village Officer must operate in accordance with the Kerala Land Revenue Manual and other relevant regulations that govern the issue of various certifications. MAH. ADIWASI THAKUR JAMAT SWARAKSHAN SAMITI VS STATE OF MAHARASHTRA – Supreme Court (2023).

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Citations

1. Service by Akshaya
2. Kerala: Relationship Certificate

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws, procedures, fees, and timelines may vary depending on the state and individual circumstances. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified legal professional.