A Letter of Administration (LoA) is a court order that gives the administrator legal authority to manage and distribute the estate of a person who has died intestate — that is, without leaving a valid will.
Probate vs Letter of Administration
Probate confirms the executor named in a will. Letter of Administration appoints an administrator when no executor exists or no will was made. Both are granted under the Indian Succession Act, 1925.
When You Need an LoA
- Deceased left no will (intestate)
- A will exists but names no executor
- The named executor has died or is unable to act
- Banks / RTAs / companies require it before releasing significant assets to heirs
How the Process Works
- Petition Filed — Legal heir (usually next of kin) files petition in the competent court along with death certificate, estate details and list of heirs.
- Court Fee — Ad valorem stamp duty based on the value of the estate.
- Notice Publication — Notice inviting objections is published in newspapers.
- Hearing & Grant — If unopposed, the court grants the LoA typically in 6–9 months.
- Bond Furnishing — Court may require an administration bond with sureties for the value of the estate.
Documents Typically Required
Death certificate of deceased
Legal heir certificate
Family tree affidavit
ID & address proof of petitioner
List of assets of deceased
NOC from other heirs
Two sureties (with property proof)
Stamp duty / court fee
How We Help
Our legal panel drafts the petition, calculates duty, files with the appropriate court, coordinates publication and NOC collection, and — once the LoA is granted — coordinates with RTAs, banks and depositories to release the assets to the administrator.