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

What are letters testamentary, and letters of administration?

From The Government Class Book Designed for the Instruction of Youth in the Principles of Constitutional Government and the Rights and Duties of Citizens. by Young, Andrew W.

Do," Dunwoodie, with that same look, retorted, "And meanwhile I will apply for letters of administration.

From The Paliser case by Saltus, Edgar

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