How to get letter of administration if deceased was not CNIC holder

When a loved one passes away, their heirs may need to obtain a Letter of Administration to manage their estate. This process becomes slightly complex if the deceased was not a CNIC holder or had an MNIC (Manual National Identity Card). Below, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to obtain this important legal document.

Required Documents

To apply for a Letter of Administration, you will need to gather the following documents:

1. Applicant’s CNIC – A copy of the CNIC of the person applying for the letter.
2. Legal Heirs’ CNICs – Copies of CNICs of all legal heirs.
3. Death Certificates – Computerized death certificates of all deceased family members.
4. CNIC Cancellation – If the deceased was an MNIC holder, only the death certificate is required. If they had a CNIC, you must submit the CNIC cancellation proof.
5. Application for Decline – A handwritten application requesting the issuance of a decline certificate.
6. Original Asset Documents – Proof of ownership of property or assets left by the deceased.
7. Family Registration Certificate (FRC) – This document verifies the family tree and relationship between the heirs and the deceased.
8. Letter of Authorization – This document needs only the applicant’s thumb impression and signature.
9. Deceased’s Old MNIC – A copy of the deceased’s MNIC, if applicable.

Process of Obtaining the Decline Certificate

Before applying for the Letter of Administration, you must obtain a Decline Certificate from the authorities. The steps are as follows:

1. Submit all the required documents to the NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) office.
2. Upon verification, NADRA will issue the Decline Certificate on the spot.
3. Once you have the Decline Certificate, you can proceed with the legal process to obtain the Letter of Administration.

Legal Process to Get the Letter of Administration

After receiving the Decline Certificate, follow these steps:

1. Hire a Lawyer – Find a legal expert who specializes in inheritance matters. Lawyers usually charge 1-2% of the property value as their fee.
2. File the Case in Court – Your lawyer will prepare the legal petition and file it in the relevant court.
3. Minimum Processing Time – Courts typically take at least three months to process and issue the Letter of Administration.
4. Court Orders – Once the process is complete, the court will grant you the Letter of Administration, allowing you to manage the deceased’s estate.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining a Letter of Administration can be a time-consuming legal process, but ensuring you have all the required documents in advance can help streamline the procedure. It is advisable to seek professional legal assistance to avoid unnecessary delays.

For more details on legal processes, you can refer to:

• NADRA Official Website
• Pakistan Law Portal
• Sindh High Court

By following the right steps, you can ensure a smooth inheritance process and avoid legal complications in the future.