Letters of Administration are legal documents issued by a court that authorise an individual or individuals, typically referred to as administrators, to manage the estate of a deceased person who died without a valid will (intestate). The purpose of Letters of Administration is to grant legal authority to the appointed administrator(s) to act on behalf of the deceased’s estate, including collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property to heirs according to the laws of intestacy. The process of obtaining Letters of Administration typically involves filing a petition with the probate court, providing necessary documentation, and demonstrating the right to be appointed as administrator, such as being a close relative or next of kin of the deceased. Once granted, Letters of Administration empower the appointed administrator(s) to perform their duties in administering the estate and settling the deceased’s affairs in accordance with applicable laws and court supervision.
Letters of administration are legal documents issued by a probate court which allows someone the right to administer the estate of another person who has died. Letters of Administration are required if the deceased did not name an executor for their estate (intestate). Letters of Administration are also used if an executor is unable to perform the duties entrusted them.
Letters of administration are often requested by banks, governmental agencies, or other institutions before they will deal with the assets of the decedent. A letter of administration is a decree by a court or probate registry which assigns someone to take care of the estate and to deal with the assets based on inheritance and laws of descent (which usually favour a living spouse first and is followed by next of kin).
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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