New Delhi, July 22 -- My father inherited a property from his father, which we understand is ancestral property from his father. He is now planning to sell it and distribute the proceeds. Do my siblings and I have a right in this property by birth? Can he sell or bequeath it without our consent? Will my sister have the same rights as I do in this property?

- Name withheld on request

We assume that you are a Hindu family covered under the Mitakshara school of Hindu law.

Under Hindu law, not every property inherited from a father qualifies as ancestral or joint family property. Whether a property has this character is a factual determination that depends on the original mode and source of its acquisition and how it has been transmitted a...