Letters of Administration

Loved ones often go to a bank, credit union or life insurance company to get funds, to pay the bills of the deceased and find they cannot without letters of administration, letters testamentary or letter of representation.

What are letters of administration / letters testamentary / letter or representation?

A document issued by the Register of Wills or Orphans Court that authorizes a personal representative / executor to administer an estate.   It cannot be issued with filing the will and estate administration or probate papers and involves an attorney to prepare the paperwork.