Many people don’t realise that when someone passes away without a will, their money and property can’t just be taken or divided — not even by the legal spouse. Even if you know the bank password, the account is frozen. This is where Letter of Administration comes in. It’s an official court document that gives legal authority to a family member to handle the deceased’s assets. Without this letter, you can’t withdraw money, sell the house, or access anything that legally belongs to the deceased. It’s not just paperwork — it’s power, and it’s necessary.
“What Is This Letter Everyone’s Talking About?”
The Letter of Administration is a legal document issued by the High Court. It’s for situations where the deceased did not leave a will. With this letter, the appointed family member — called the administrator — has legal permission to manage the estate. That means you can deal with the bank, sell the house, transfer car ownership, and distribute the inheritance — but only after this document is granted. Without it, everything stays stuck. It’s a crucial step that many families overlook until it’s too late.
“Can I Be the One to Handle Everything?”
Only certain people can apply for the Letter of Administration — usually close family members like the spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. The court will decide who is most suitable to be appointed as the administrator. It doesn’t automatically go to the eldest or the loudest — it goes to the one who’s responsible enough to manage the estate fairly. And remember, once appointed, that person is legally bound to inform and involve all other rightful heirs. It’s not just about managing money, it’s about managing trust.
“So… How Do We Even Start?”
The process can feel overwhelming, especially after losing a loved one. But here’s the general idea: First, list out all the assets and identify the legal heirs. Then, gather documents like the death certificate, birth certificates, bank statements, property titles and so on. After that, you file the application at the High Court. The court will review everything, hold a hearing, and if all goes well — issue the Letter of Administration. Having a lawyer makes the process smoother and helps avoid delays caused by missing documents or technical errors.
“House, Land, Car – You Need Legal Power to Handle Them.”
Some people think this only applies to bank accounts, but the truth is, any asset left behind — whether it’s a house, land, car, stocks, or even a small EPF balance — can’t be transferred or sold without legal authority. In law, we call them movable and immovable assets. If the house is under the deceased’s name, no one can touch it until the court issues the letter. Same goes for the car. Even if the whole family agrees, you still need legal documentation to avoid future problems. That’s why it’s critical to start the right process — before things get messy.
“Why So Many Families Struggle with Inheritance?”
At our firm, we’ve seen so many families suffer just because no one took action to apply for the Letter of Administration. Money gets stuck in banks for years. Families argue. Children can’t sell their late father’s house even when they all agree. Sometimes, outsiders take advantage because no one stepped up legally. In the worst cases, assets disappear — simply because no one had the right documents. Inheritance isn’t just about money; it’s about protecting your family’s rights, relationships, and future.
“Want Us to Handle It for You?”
If you’ve recently lost a loved one and have no idea how to handle the estate, we’re here to help. At Tetuan Liyana & Co., we assist families through the entire process of applying for a Letter of Administration — from document prep to court filing, right up to receiving the final letter. Let us carry the legal burden so you can focus on healing. Just message us the word “ESTATE” and we’ll walk you through it step by step. Because protecting your loved one’s legacy shouldn’t be complicated.
