How to Get a Letter of Administration: No.1 Complete Guide

How to Get a Letter of Administration

A Letter of Administration is a legal document issued by the court that authorizes an individual to manage the estate of a deceased person who passed away without leaving a valid will. It allows the appointed administrator to collect, manage, and distribute the deceased person’s assets according to inheritance laws.

Why Do You Need a Letter of Administration?

If a person dies without a will, their legal heirs need a Letter of Administration to claim and distribute their estate. It is required for transferring property, withdrawing bank funds, and handling other assets legally. Without this letter, banks, government agencies, and property authorities will not recognize an individual’s claim over the deceased’s assets.

How to Get a Letter of Administration

Obtaining a Letter of Administration involves multiple legal steps, documentation, and verification processes. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for one.

Step 1: Apply at NADRA Office

The first step is to visit the NADRA Succession Facilitation Unit (SFU) and apply for the Letter of Administration. The applicant must provide all the required documents and initiate the process.

Step 2: Wait for All Legal Heirs to Complete Biometric Verification

Once the application is submitted, all legal heirs must visit the NADRA office for biometric verification. This step ensures that all rightful heirs are accounted for and agree to the process.

Step 3: Wait for Publication in Newspapers

After biometric verification, NADRA will publish a notice in newspapers. This public notice allows anyone to raise objections within a stipulated time (usually 14 to 30 days). If no objections arise, the process moves forward smoothly.

Step 4: Collection from NADRA SFU

Once the waiting period is over and no objections have been raised, NADRA will issue the Letter of Administration. The applicant can collect the document from the Succession Facilitation Unit (SFU).

Required Documents

Before applying, you need to gather all the essential documents to prove your eligibility and establish the deceased’s estate details. The required documents include:

Original asset documents (property papers, bank statements, vehicle ownership documents, etc.)
Search certificate for leased property
NOC (No Objection Certificate) from builder or society for property transfer
Applicant’s original CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)
CNIC copies of all legal heirs
Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
Death certificate of the deceased
Cancellation certificate
Letter of authorization
Scanned copies of all the documents and one full set of photocopies for submission
Lack of documents? Contact us to fullfil all the requirements

Payment of Fees

The court requires a processing fee for the issuance of the Letter of Administration based on the valuation of the property:

If the property value is less than 100,000 PKR, the fee is 10,000 PKR
If the property value is more than 100,000 PKR, the fee is 22,000 PKR

You must submit the fee receipt as part of your application.

Common Challenges in How to Get a Letter of Administration

1. Missing or Incomplete Documents

The application can be delayed or rejected if required documents are missing. Ensure all documents are complete before submission.

2. Disputes Among Legal Heirs

If legal heirs disagree on the estate distribution, the case may be delayed due to legal proceedings.

3. Third-Party Objections

Anyone can raise objections during the newspaper publication phase. If objections are valid, the court will investigate before issuing the letter.

4. Verification Delays

Government offices may take time to verify CNICs, death certificates, or property records, causing delays in the process.

How to Get a Letter of Administration Important Considerations

Always keep copies of all documents submitted to NADRA.
Ensure all legal heirs complete biometric verification promptly.
Pay the required fee on time to avoid unnecessary delays.
Work with a lawyer for legal guidance if needed.

Related Resources

For more detailed legal information, you can visit:

Conclusion

Obtaining a Letter of Administration is essential for managing and distributing the assets of a deceased person who did not leave a will. By following the correct legal procedure, preparing the necessary documents, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements, you can obtain the letter smoothly. If needed, consult a legal professional to help navigate complex cases or disputes.

By following these steps, you can efficiently secure a Letter of Administration and manage the inheritance process without unnecessary delays.