A letter of administration is a legal document that grants someone the authority to manage the estate of a deceased person who did not leave a will or the appointed executor is unable to fulfill their duties. It provides the administrator with the legal power to handle the deceased person's assets, debts, and distribution of property according to the laws of intestacy. Here are a few examples of the different types of letters of administration: 1. General letter of administration: This is the most common type, where a person is appointed as the administrator of the estate when the deceased did not leave a will or name an executor. 2. Limited letter of administration: This type is granted in specific circumstances where the estate only requires partial administration or for a limited purpose, such as selling a property or handling a specific asset. 3. Constraining letter of administration: This letter is issued with certain limitations or restrictions, typically when there are ongoing legal disputes or concerns regarding the administration of the estate. It may require the administrator to seek court approval for certain actions. 4. Double letter of administration: In cases where the named executor of a will is unable or unwilling to act, a double letter of administration may be issued. This allows someone else to step in as the co-administrator, sharing the responsibilities with the named executor. 5. Special letter of administration: This type is granted when there is an urgent need to appoint an administrator before a grant of probate or letters of administration can be obtained. It is often done to safeguard assets or address immediate concerns. Overall, the letter of administration is a crucial legal document that grants authority to administer the estate of a deceased person in a proper and lawful manner. It ensures that the deceased person's assets are handled appropriately, debts are paid, and the remaining estate is distributed according to the applicable laws governing intestacy.