In Aotearoa New Zealand, letters of administration are an order from the High Court that appoints an administrator to manage the estate of someone who has died without a will or whose named executor is unable or unwilling to do so. 

Here are some other things to know about letters of administration and the process of administering an estate.

When to apply

You need to apply for letters of administration if the deceased died without a will or if the named executor is unable or unwilling to administer the estate. 

Who applies

A family member usually applies to be the administrator. The applicant must provide evidence that everyone who is equally close to the deceased has been told about or agrees to the application. 

Estate administration costs

The average cost to administer an estate is around $10,000 plus GST, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the estate and family situation. 

Probate

Every estate goes through probate unless it's considered a ‘small estate’ under New Zealand law. Probate is the court process that officially recognises a will and the executors named in it.