Why You Need Letters of Administration in California Probate

Carrying out the affairs of your deceased loved one may involve a substantial amount of leg work. You will likely have to contact many different parties to collect the assets of the estate, pay its expenses, and close accounts. Also, you will often need to prove your authority to whichever party that you are dealing with. While in the probate process, Letters of Administration are issued by the California probate court. Therefore, this document can provide proof of your authority as executor or administrator to act on behalf of the estate.

Many third parties will require proof of your authority to speak with you.

These third parties include:

• Banks
• Tax authorities
• Financial institutions
• Life insurance companies
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• Trustees
• Title companies

Without providing Letters of Administration, these parties may not agree to speak with you or provide you with any information about your loved one’s assets or accounts.

Enlisting the assistance of an experienced California probate attorney can make the process of obtaining Letters of Administration much smoother. The laws in this area can be confusing and complex. Fortunately, the right legal professional can guide you through the procedure. There are several different avenues that you can choose to seek out Letters of Administration, and your attorney will assist you in choosing the path that best fits your situation.

If you are ready to start your case, then please give us a call or fill out our Get Help Now form. A comprehensive overview of California Probate is available here. Should you have additional questions about trust litigation, you will find plenty of useful information in our Learning Center.