What are letters of administration?

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In the state of Victoria, letters of administration are legal documents issued by the Supreme Court that allow a person to manage and distribute the assets of a deceased person who did not leave a valid will.  

They are usually granted to the deceased person’s next of kin, such as a spouse or adult child, who is deemed eligible under the law. 

The process of obtaining letters of administration involves submitting an application to the Supreme Court, which requires proof of the deceased’s identity and relationship to the applicant. 

The grant of letters of administration provides the applicant with the legal authority to collect and distribute the deceased’s assets in accordance with the rules of intestacy. 

The distribution of assets under intestacy may not align with the deceased’s wishes and can lead to legal disputes among family members. Therefore, it is important for individuals to make a will to ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes and to avoid potential legal disputes and delays. 

Geelong Legal can assist with obtaining letters of administration by providing legal advice and guidance on the process, preparing and filing the necessary documents with the Supreme Court, and representing the applicant in any court hearings or disputes that may arise. 

We can also help to identify the deceased’s assets and liabilities, value the estate, and distribute the assets to the beneficiaries in accordance with the rules of intestacy. Our Geelong probate lawyers offer support and guidance to the administrator throughout the entire probate process to ensure that all legal obligations and requirements are met. 

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