Letters of Administration
When someone dies without a will, a grant of letters of administration is needed to deal with their estate. We guide families through the process — from applying to the Probate Registry to distributing the estate under the intestacy rules.
What Are Letters of Administration?
Letters of administration is a legal document issued by the Probate Registry that authorises a person — known as the administrator — to deal with the estate of someone who has died without leaving a valid will. It is the equivalent of a grant of probate where a will exists.
Without letters of administration, banks, financial institutions and other organisations will not release the deceased's assets. The administrator is responsible for collecting in the estate, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to the people entitled under the intestacy rules.
The intestacy rules are strict and do not take into account the wishes of the deceased or the needs of those left behind. Cohabitees, stepchildren, and close friends receive nothing under the intestacy rules — regardless of how long they lived with the deceased or how dependent they were on them. This is one of the most important reasons to make a will.
What We Do
- Advise on who is entitled to apply
- Prepare and submit the application
- Calculate and pay inheritance tax
- Obtain the grant from the Probate Registry
- Collect in and distribute the estate
- Advise on the intestacy rules
The Intestacy Rules — Who Inherits?
When someone dies without a will in England and Wales, their estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules in a strict order of priority.
Spouse or Civil Partner
Inherits the first £322,000 of the estate plus personal possessions, and half of the remainder. The other half goes to children.
Children
If there is no surviving spouse or civil partner, children inherit the entire estate in equal shares. Grandchildren inherit if a child has predeceased.
Parents
If there is no spouse and no children, the estate passes to the deceased's parents in equal shares.
Siblings
Brothers and sisters (or their children if they have predeceased) inherit if there are no surviving parents.
Half-Siblings
Half-brothers and half-sisters inherit if there are no full siblings.
Grandparents
If none of the above survive, the estate passes to grandparents.
Aunts and Uncles
Aunts and uncles (or their children) inherit if there are no grandparents.
The Crown (Bona Vacantia)
If there are no surviving relatives, the estate passes to the Crown as bona vacantia.
Important: Cohabitees, stepchildren, and unmarried partners receive nothing under the intestacy rules, regardless of the length of the relationship. Making a will is the only way to ensure they are provided for.
Our Probate & Estate Administration Team
Nikolina Vukovic
Legal Executive — Wills, Trusts & Estates
Probate & Estate AdministrationNikolina specialises in probate, wills, trusts and estate administration — including letters of administration for intestate estates. She supports clients through what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives, from straightforward administrations to complex estates.
Laura Kirton
Wills & Probate Solicitor · 10 Years Qualified
Letters of AdministrationLaura is a qualified solicitor with ten years' post-qualification experience, specialising in wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. She regularly advises families dealing with intestate estates and the complexities of the intestacy rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are letters of administration?
Who can apply for letters of administration?
How long does it take to get letters of administration?
Do I need a solicitor to apply for letters of administration?
What is the difference between letters of administration and probate?
What happens if someone dies without a will and has no relatives?
Speak to Our Team
We can guide you through the letters of administration process from start to finish. Contact us for a no-obligation discussion.
No will? We can also advise on making a will to ensure your estate passes to the people you choose — not according to the intestacy rules.
Learn about will writing →Speak to a wills and estates solicitor today. Sensitive, professional advice — costs explained clearly before any work begins.
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