How to Write a Letter of Administration

By Ngalula Kabutakapua

If someone dies without leaving a will, a judge have to appoint an administrator who will distribute the estate properties. You may want to apply for a letter of administration from the judge, if you think you are the legal administrator. A letter of administration proves you are entitled to be the legal administrator of the deceased's belongings. Letters of administration are brief, formal documents only issued by a judge.

The court, generally a probate of surrogate court, will require the applicant to fill out a form requesting the letter of administration. Use brief sentences and include the name and address of the deceased person as well as of the designated administrator.

Write the name of the deceased. For example, write "Be it known that John Smith of 12 Holyoke Street." State when the person died, such as "died on 8th day of May 2009."

Start a new paragraph. Write "be it also known" followed by details about who the legal administrator of the assets will be. Give details of name and home address. You should include information such as your relationship to the deceased and why you should be appointed administrator of the estate.

In the final paragraph, state the money value of the estate and details about the location of the estate.

Type the date the document was written and sign. To make it more official, have it stamped by a notary public. Submit to the court and follow any instructions given.

You may have to submit additional documentation to the court including, but not limited to, a copy of the deceased's death certificate and copies of your identification.

http://www.lenderva.com