Document background
A Letter of Administration of Estate is required in Australia when someone dies without leaving a valid will (intestate) or when the appointed executor in a will is unable or unwilling to act. This legal document, issued by the Supreme Court in the relevant state or territory, grants authority to an administrator (usually the next of kin) to collect and manage the deceased's assets, pay any debts, and distribute the estate according to intestacy laws. The document is essential for dealing with banks, government agencies, and other institutions, as it provides formal proof of the administrator's authority to act on behalf of the estate. The application process involves submitting detailed information about the deceased, their assets and liabilities, and the proposed administrator's eligibility to act in this role. The Letter of Administration is particularly important as it helps prevent unauthorized access to the deceased's assets and ensures the estate is administered according to law.
