If someone dies without a will (known as dying ‘intestate’), the next of kin will need to get approval from the Supreme Court to access and distribute the deceased estate. ‘Letters of Administration’ (LOA) is the court order which gives someone the authority to start that process. Once approved, the individual becomes known as the ‘Administrator’ and they are given the responsibility of managing the deceased estate.
Letters of Administration are also required if someone died with a valid will but they did not name an executor, or the executor is unwilling or unable to act. LOA will only be granted to someone who is entitled to a share of the estate.