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

"You should apply for letters of administration, which will enable you to settle up the property."

From Only an Irish Boy Andy Burke's Fortunes by Alger, Horatio

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

Meantime, letters of administration had been issued to Jason Jones and the control of his wife's—now Alora's—property legally placed in his hands.

From Mary Louise Solves a Mystery by Baum, L. Frank (Lyman Frank)

I'm going to take out letters of administration.

From The Avenger by Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips)