Document background
The Letter of Administration of Estate is a fundamental legal instrument in Indian succession law, required when an individual dies intestate (without a valid will). This document becomes necessary to legally authorize someone to manage and distribute the deceased's estate. It is issued by a competent court under the provisions of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, and related personal laws depending on the deceased's religion. The Letter of Administration grants the administrator legal authority to collect assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute the remaining estate among legal heirs. It provides protection to both the administrator and the beneficiaries by officially documenting the administrator's authority and responsibilities. The document is particularly important in cases involving substantial assets, multiple heirs, or complex estate matters, and may be required by banks, financial institutions, and other entities for releasing the deceased's assets.
