Letters of Administration

Similar to a grant of probate, a grant of Letters of Administration is simply an order issued by the Supreme Court which appoints a person (or persons) as the representative of the estate.  A grant of Letters of Administration is generally required when a person dies without a will (dying without a will is known as ‘intestacy’), but it might also include circumstances where there is a will but no executor able or willing to act – in each circumstance, there’s a descending priority list of persons eligible to be appointed as administrator of the estate.  Once issued, the grant of Letters of Administration operates as proof of the administrator’s authority to stand in the shoes of the deceased person and deal with their assets and estate. 

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Obtaining Letters of Administration is a court process – that is, it requires an application to be made to the Supreme Court, with evidence supplied by way of sworn affidavits and exhibits.  Ordinarily, the application will be processed by the Probates Registrar of the Supreme Court, and there’s no formal court hearing – the application is considered and decided on the documentation alone - but where any contentious or unusual issues arise, the process can be referred to a judge.

Ashton Estate Lawyers have substantial experience in advising and assisting executors with probate matters, including whether it is even necessary in the first instance.  Whether straightforward, complex or in between, we have the experience and compassion to professionally assist in obtaining a grant of Letters of Administration and administering the estate.  Call us today for a free 15-minute conversation to discuss your matter, and we can outline our deferred fixed fee Letters of Administration application process and assist you throughout the estate administration process.