Understanding a grant
Letters of administration explained
Written and reviewed by our experienced team. Last verified against gov.uk on 26 July 2026. ProbateCheck is an independent service, not a law firm.
Letters of administration are the grant issued when someone dies without a will, or without an executor able to act. They give an administrator, usually the closest relative, authority to deal with the estate. Like a grant of probate, letters of administration appear in the public probate records and a copy costs £16.
When they are used
Letters of administration are issued where there is no valid will. A closely related version, 'letters of administration with will annexed', is used where there is a will but no executor able to apply. See grant of probate vs letters of administration.
Who can apply
The right to apply follows a set order of priority, normally starting with a surviving spouse or civil partner, then children, then parents, then brothers and sisters. GOV.UK sets out who can apply on its applying for probate pages.
Finding one in the records
Letters of administration are searchable in the same public index as a grant of probate. Search by name and year and order a copy for £16.
Frequently asked questions
What are letters of administration?+
They are the grant issued when someone dies without a will, or without an executor able to act. They give an administrator authority to deal with the estate, and appear in the public probate records.
Who can apply for letters of administration?+
Usually the closest relative, following a set order of priority: spouse or civil partner first, then children, then parents, then siblings. GOV.UK sets out the full order.