Succession · 4 min read

Probate and Letters of Administration: Understanding the Difference

The route to administering an estate depends in part on whether the deceased left a valid will and who is entitled to seek representation.

Estate administration begins with identifying whether the deceased left a will and the form of grant required. Probate and letters of administration are both grants of representation, but they arise in different circumstances.

Why the distinction matters

The correct application affects who may administer the estate and the documents that must be placed before the court.

Specific succession matters should be assessed on their own facts.