Document background
Probate Letters of Administration are essential legal instruments issued by US state courts when an individual dies without a valid will (intestate) or when a named executor is unable or unwilling to serve. These letters are fundamental to the probate process, providing the court-appointed administrator with the necessary legal authority to marshal assets, pay creditors, file tax returns, and distribute the deceased's property according to state intestacy laws. The document serves as official proof of the administrator's authority when dealing with banks, government agencies, and other institutions. Letters of Administration are typically required for estates exceeding state-specific small estate thresholds and remain valid until the estate administration is completed or the administrator is removed by the court. The specific requirements and procedures for obtaining these letters vary by state, but all follow general principles established under US probate law.
