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

The letters of administration were revoked, and Mr. Alford, one of the executors, was appointed Mildred's guardian.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 02, No. 11, September, 1858 by Various

A grant of letters of administration to the plaintiff with the will executed on or subsequent to the 22nd day of December,1885, annexed.

From Mr. Meeson's Will by Haggard, Henry Rider

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

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)