What is the purpose of letters of administration?

Letters of administration serve a crucial function in estate administration, particularly when a person passes away without leaving a will. When there is no will, the estate is considered intestate, and letters of administration are necessary to appoint an administrator to manage and distribute the deceased's assets in accordance with the laws of intestacy.

The appointed administrator assumes legal responsibility for the estate, handling tasks such as collecting and managing the deceased's assets, paying debts and taxes, and finally distributing the remaining assets to the heirs as dictated by law. This official appointment is essential for providing the administrator with the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.

In contrast, opinions like confirming the validity of a will, creating a trust, or providing tax instructions do not align with the primary purpose of letters of administration. The validation of a will is handled through a different process known as the probate process. Creating a trust typically involves the deceased setting up a trust during their lifetime or through the will, while tax instructions would be considered part of the overall estate management rather than the primary role of letters of administration.