When a person passes away leaving behind assets, the person’s next-of-kin or appointed executor will need to obtain either a Grant of Probate or Letter of Administration from the court to administer the deceased’s estate. The estate can include houses, flat, bank accounts, motor vehicles, shares or such other possessions.

If the deceased left a valid will, the executor of the will need to obtain Grant of Probate in order to be authorised to manage the deceased’s estate. If there is no valid will left behind, a next-of-kin will need to apply for a grant of Letters of Administration to gain this authority.

In cases when there is no valid will, the law sets out seven classes of persons who are entitled to apply for the Grant of Letters of Administration. 

In order of priority, these are:

1. the spouse
2. the children of the deceased
3. the parents
4. brothers and sisters
5. nephews and nieces
6. grandparents
7. uncles and aunt