What are "letters of administration"?

Letters of administration are a court-issued document that authorizes an individual, often referred to as the administrator, to manage and distribute the estate of a deceased person who died intestate, meaning without a valid will. This legal instrument is essential as it gives the administrator the necessary power to settle the deceased’s affairs, which includes collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining property among the heirs according to intestacy laws.

By granting these letters, the court ensures that the estate is handled in a manner that is recognized legally, providing a framework for the administrator to follow. This process is vital when no will exists, as it helps protect the rights of heirs and ensures compliance with legal obligations in estate administration.

In contrast, the other options do not describe letters of administration accurately. For example, requesting a will to be probated pertains to a different process involving the validation of a will, while forms completed by beneficiaries relate to estate distributions where a will exists. Notifications to heirs might be part of the communication process regarding estate settlements, but they do not function as a legal empowerment to manage the estate.