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

See Examples For:

letters of administration

The executor or administrator of your mother’s estate must present court-ordered letters testamentary or letters of administration to access your mother’s accounts.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 15, 2026

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

Winthrop took out letters of administration, and Lechmere became one of the sureties on his bond.

From The Emancipation of Massachusetts by Brooks Adams

If at the time specified for the hearing no objection is made, the person petitioned for is appointed administrator, and "letters of administration" are issued to him.

From Studies in Civics by J. T. (James Thompson) McCleary

There are deeds of trust, mortgages, certificates of release, transfers, judgments, foreclosures, writs of attachment, orders of sale, tax liens, petitions for letters of administration, and decrees of distribution.

From John Barleycorn by Jack London