Letters of Administration Solicitors

When someone dies without a valid will, the estate is dealt with under the intestacy rules. In most cases, a family member must apply for Letters of Administration before they have the legal authority to manage the estate. At Hibberts, our experienced probate solicitors support families across Cheshire with clear advice, practical guidance, and straightforward fees.

If you are unsure whether you need Letters of Administration or what to do next, our team is here to help as part of our wider probate services.

What Are Letters of Administration?

Letters of Administration are an official document issued by the Probate Registry. They appoint one or more people, known as administrators, to deal with the estate of someone who has died without a valid will.

Without Letters of Administration, banks, building societies and other organisations will not release funds or allow property to be sold or transferred. The administrator has no legal authority to act until the document is granted.

When Are Letters of Administration Needed?

You will usually need Letters of Administration when:

• the person who has died did not leave a will
• the will they left is invalid or cannot be located
• the executors named in the will are unable or unwilling to act
• all assets are held in the deceased’s sole name
• a bank, building society or other organisation requests it

We can review the circumstances and confirm whether you need to apply for Letters of Administration, saving you time and uncertainty. You can also learn more about what happens when there is no will on our Intestacy page.

Who Can Apply for Letters of Administration?

The law sets out a strict order of priority for who is entitled to apply. This is known as the intestacy hierarchy. Typically, the following people may apply, in order:

• spouse or civil partner
• children
• parents
• siblings
• other close relatives

If more than one person is entitled to apply, they can choose to apply together. If there is a disagreement, we can advise on resolving the issue and ensuring the application proceeds correctly.

How Hibberts Can Help

Our probate solicitors can assist with all aspects of applying for Letters of Administration, including:

• confirming who is legally entitled to apply
• checking whether any will exists or whether the intestacy rules apply
• valuing the estate and contacting banks and other institutions
• preparing all inheritance tax forms and supporting documentation
• completing and submitting the application for Letters of Administration
• obtaining the document on your behalf
• supporting you with the full estate administration if needed

We offer flexible options – from help with the application alone to a full administration service where we take care of everything on your behalf.

What Happens After Letters of Administration Are Granted?

Once Letters of Administration have been issued, the administrator can:

• close bank accounts and collect funds
• sell or transfer any property
• pay debts, expenses and liabilities
• prepare estate accounts
• distribute the estate according to the intestacy rules

If you would like support with any of these steps, we can guide you or handle them for you through our dedicated executor support service.

Letters of Administration Costs and Fees

We understand that costs matter, especially during a difficult time. At Hibberts, we aim to provide clear and transparent pricing.

We can usually offer:

• a fixed fee or detailed estimate for preparing and submitting the application
• a separate fee structure for full estate administration if you would like us to handle everything

We will confirm our fees at the outset, explain what is included, and keep you updated if anything changes. For more information, you can also view our Wills, Trusts & Probate pricing page or contact us for a tailored quote.

Why Choose Hibberts?

• Experienced probate solicitors handling intestacy cases of all sizes
• Local offices throughout Cheshire, including Nantwich, Crewe, Tarporley and Whitchurch
• Clear, practical advice in plain English
• Friendly, supportive service when your family needs it most
• Flexible support options depending on your level of involvement

Get Help Applying for Letters of Administration

If you are dealing with an estate where no will exists, or you are unsure whether you need Letters of Administration, our specialist probate team is here to help.

Contact Hibberts today by phone or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you promptly.

FAQs

Do I need Letters of Administration if there is a will?
Usually no – you would normally apply for a Grant of Probate instead. However, if the will is invalid or the named executors cannot act, Letters of Administration may still be needed.

How long does it take to get Letters of Administration?
Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the estate and how quickly organisations provide information. We can give you a realistic estimate based on your situation.

Can more than one person apply?
Yes. Several relatives may apply together if they are equally entitled under the intestacy rules.

What if relatives disagree about who should administer the estate?
Disagreements sometimes arise. Our contentious probate team can advise on your options and help resolve the issue.