letters of administration

American  

plural noun

Law.

1. an instrument issued by a court or public official authorizing an administrator to take control of and dispose of the estate of a deceased person.

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letters of administration British  

plural noun

1. law a formal document nominating a specified person to take over, administer, and dispose of an estate when there is no executor to carry out the testator's will

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Etymology

Origin of letters of administration

First recorded in 1490–1500

Example Sentences

In addition to a will, letters testamentary, letters of administration, accounting documents are all accessible to next-of-kin through the Surrogate’s Court.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 4, 2025

A foreign executor should present to the inspectors of election an exemplified copy of his letters of administration, and having done so may vote on the stock standing in the testator's name.

From Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman by Bolles, Albert Sidney

In February, 1908, Mme Musurus took out letters of administration in England, and proceeded to pay the debts and the death duties payable in respect of the property in this country.

From International Incidents for Discussion in Conversation Classes by Oppenheim, L. (Lassa)

He left no will, all his property having been previously assigned, and letters of administration were taken out by a creditor.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 10 "David, St" to "Demidov" by Various

This is done by the court granting letters of administration to the person entitled.

From The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia Volume 1 of 28 by Project Gutenberg