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An Estate Letter is a formal document used in Saudi Arabia that grants someone the legal authority to manage a deceased person's property and assets. It's issued by the local Islamic court (Mahkama) and serves as official proof that the bearer has the right to handle the estate according to Shariah law.

Under Saudi regulations, this document lets the appointed person collect debts, access bank accounts, transfer property titles, and settle the deceased's financial obligations. Family members typically need this letter to handle inheritance matters, especially when dealing with banks, government offices, or real estate transactions. The letter helps ensure a smooth transfer of assets while following Islamic inheritance principles.

You need an Estate Letter immediately after a family member passes away in Saudi Arabia, especially before handling any of their assets or financial matters. This document becomes essential when dealing with banks, selling property, transferring vehicle ownership, or accessing the deceased's accounts.

Getting the Estate Letter early helps prevent delays and complications with inheritance distribution. For example, banks won't release funds or close accounts without it, and real estate offices require it for property transfers. The local Islamic court (Mahkama) typically issues this letter within a few days after reviewing death certificates and family relationship documents.

• Standard Estate Letter: Basic version issued by Islamic courts for straightforward inheritance cases involving immediate family members
• Comprehensive Estate Letter: Detailed version needed for complex estates with multiple properties or business assets
• Limited Estate Letter: Restricted authorization focusing on specific assets or transactions only
• Joint Estate Letter: Used when multiple heirs are appointed to manage the estate together
• International Estate Letter: Enhanced version with certified translations for handling overseas assets or cross-border inheritance matters

• Islamic Court Judges: Issue and authenticate Estate Letters after reviewing death certificates and family relationships
• Legal Heirs: Primary recipients who use the letter to manage the deceased's assets and settle financial matters
• Banks: Require Estate Letters before allowing access to the deceased's accounts or processing transactions
• Real Estate Offices: Need these letters to transfer property titles or handle real estate transactions
• Government Agencies: Rely on Estate Letters when processing inheritance-related paperwork or updating official records
• Legal Representatives: Help families obtain and use Estate Letters when handling complex inheritance matters

• Death Certificate: Obtain an official death certificate from the Ministry of Health or local authorities
• Family Documentation: Gather family ID cards, marriage certificates, and birth certificates showing relationship to deceased
• Asset Inventory: Create a detailed list of the deceased's properties, bank accounts, and valuable possessions
• Court Visit: Schedule an appointment at the local Islamic court (Mahkama) with all required documents
• Witness Statements: Arrange for two male witnesses to confirm family relationships at court
• Translation: Get certified Arabic translations if any documents are in other languages

• Court Header: Official Islamic court name, location, and case number
• Deceased Information: Full name, ID number, date of death, and last known address
• Heir Identification: Complete details of appointed heir(s) with their legal relationship to deceased
• Asset Description: Specific list of properties, accounts, and assets covered by the letter
• Authority Scope: Clear definition of granted powers and any limitations
• Legal Basis: Reference to relevant Shariah inheritance principles
• Authentication: Judge's signature, court seal, and official stamps
• Issuance Details: Date of issuance and validity period

Estate Letters are often confused with Authorization Letter, but they serve distinct legal purposes in Saudi Arabia. While both grant authority to act on behalf of another party, their scope and application differ significantly.

• Timing and Duration: Estate Letters are issued after death and remain valid until estate settlement, while Authorization Letters are used during the principal's lifetime and can have specific expiry dates
• Legal Authority: Estate Letters derive authority from Islamic inheritance law and must be issued by courts, whereas Authorization Letters are private agreements between living parties
• Scope of Powers: Estate Letters specifically cover inheritance-related matters and deceased's assets, while Authorization Letters can grant authority for various general or specific actions
• Required Documentation: Estate Letters need death certificates and proof of heir relationships; Authorization Letters primarily require identification and consent of the authorizing party