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

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 Walter Thornbury

The Major's death being by this time, in legal phrase, "presumed," the Court of Canterbury had allowed Miss Marty to take out letters of administration.

From The Mayor of Troy by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch

He also extorted an excessive fee for putting the seal to all probates of wills, and letters of administration, even where the estates of the deceased were of the meanest value.

From The History of Virginia, in Four Parts by Robert Beverley