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

A woman who administers; esp., one who administers the estate of an intestate, or to whom letters of administration have been granted; a female administrator.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps my poor Pole had given me up as lost, and taken out letters of administration upon my carpet-bag.

From Project Gutenberg

He must obtain probate or letters of administration to the deceased within six months of the death, or, if such grant be disputed, within two months of the determination of such suit.

From Project Gutenberg