If you are to die without a Will (intestate) and there is no executor to administer the estate, usually it is your next of kin who will apply for a document called ‘Letters of Administration’. Letters of administration is the Court’s approval for someone to administer the estate of a person who dies without a Will.

In most instances, Letters of administration will be granted to your next of kin e.g. a spouse, domestic partner or child. Alternatively, if you have left a valid Will but your named executor is no longer alive, competent or willing to undertake the responsibilities involved with administering your estate, the Court may appoint someone else e.g. a beneficiary, to administer your estate according to the Will. This is called Letters of Administration with the Will annexed.