Legal management and distribution of a deceased person’s estate can be a minefield for loved ones, made more complex and stressful if the deceased did not leave a valid will. A Letter of Administration is used in the event that there is no will in place.
This article covers all you need to know about using a Letter of Administration, and when you would need one.
What The Grant Does
A court-issued legal document known as a Letter of Administration grants someone the power to manage the estate of a deceased individual. It serves the same purpose as a Grant of Probate, but is used specifically when there is no will, or when the will is invalid.
When someone dies without a valid will, they are said to have died intestate. Proof of legal authority is required by banks, mortgage providers, and other organisations. It is necessary to sell or transfer property and ensure taxes and debts are paid.
Who Applies And What They Can Do
The administrator is the individual who submits the application. As per the rules of intestacy, relatives are ranked in a set order. You must apply through HM Courts and Tribunals Service. Before applying, you have to assess the estate’s worth, fill out Inheritance Tax paperwork even if there isn’t any tax owed, and pay the application fee.
A Letter of Administration Gives The Administrator The Ability To
Open and shut down bank accounts- Transfer or sell real estate
- Make tax and debt payments
- Use the laws of intestacy to divide the remaining estate
When You Need One
When someone passes away without leaving a will, a Letter of Administration is necessary. It guarantees that everything is carried out correctly in accordance with UK legislation and grants legal authority to manage their estate.
If you are unsure whether the deceased left a Will, we recommend you use WillFinda to help you search for it. Willfinda can perform a search on their database, as well as a local or national search service.
Contact Letter of Administration for professional will and probate advice on 020 3985 9555.