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

Mother had the proceedings stayed, the executors dismissed, and took out letters of administration, which made it necessary for her to spend some portion of every month in the city.

From Half a Century by Swisshelm, Jane Grey Cannon

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

So Mr Liversage had been instructed to take out letters of administration of the estate, which, in the continued absence of the will, would be divided equally between the brothers.

From The Grim Smile of the Five Towns by Bennett, Arnold

It has given the public the right to prove wills or obtain letters of administration without professional assistance.

From Old and New London Volume I by Thornbury, Walter