When someone dies without a will, heirs must petition the court for Letters of Administration. These letters grant legal authority to manage the deceased’s estate. Without them, anyone handling the estate is guilty of intermeddling, a criminal offence.
The petition requires:
· A chief’s letter listing all beneficiaries
· Certified death certificate
· ID copies of administrators and beneficiaries
Once filed, the application is gazetted for 30 days, allowing objections or additional claims. If no disputes arise, the court issues the grant of administration for six months. During this period, administrators can recover the deceased’s assets but cannot distribute them yet.
Only after the grant is confirmed by the court can assets like land be divided among beneficiaries. This legal safeguard helps prevent fraud and ensures fair distribution.