Ultimate Guide: How to Apply and Obtain Letter of Administration in Lagos State (2025 Update)
Authored by Charles Chukwuma Nkwoka, Esq. (KSM), LLB, BL, LLM, CMC, FIMC, AICMC, ACIArb
Managing Partner, Chaman Law Firm
📍 115, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Allen Junction, Beside Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos
📞 0806 555 3671 | 📧 chamanlawfirm@gmail.com | 🌐 www.chamanlawfirm.com
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Letters of Administration
- Why You Need a Letter of Administration
- Who is Eligible to Apply in Lagos State
- Legal Basis for the Application
- Step-by-Step Procedure for Applying
- Required Documents
- Estimated Costs and Timelines
- Common Challenges and Pitfalls
- Role of a Probate Lawyer
- Difference Between Probate and Letters of Administration
- Our Approach at Chaman Law Firm
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Final Thoughts
- Call to Action
- Key Tips for Success
- Role of Sureties Explained
- Sample Processing Timeline
- Legal Risks of Acting Without a Letter
- Probate Digitization in Lagos
- Mistakes to Avoid
- A Case Study from Chaman Law Firm
- Why You Should Trust Chaman Law Firm
- Preserving Your Family Legacy
- Connect with Us Today
- SEO Keywords and Tags
1. Introduction
When someone dies without leaving a Will (intestate), their estate cannot be accessed, managed, or distributed by family members without express legal authority. That authority is conferred through a Letter of Administration, issued by the Probate Registry of the High Court in Lagos State.
This guide is written to provide families, administrators, and legal representatives with a clear, step-by-step overview of how to successfully apply for and obtain a Letter of Administration in Lagos State, in compliance with all current legal and procedural frameworks as of 2025.
At Chaman Law Firm, we provide families with compassionate, expert legal support throughout the probate process.
2. Understanding Letters of Administration
A Letter of Administration is a legal instrument granted by the court that allows appointed individuals—known as administrators—to take control of the estate of a deceased person who died intestate.
This letter authorizes them to:
- Access and operate the deceased’s bank accounts
- Transfer or manage property and investments
- Pay outstanding debts and taxes
- Distribute the estate to rightful beneficiaries
3. Why You Need a Letter of Administration
Without a valid Letter of Administration, banks, pension administrators, government bodies, and other institutions will not allow access to the deceased’s estate.
You need it to:
- Avoid legal disputes among family members
- Prevent unlawful interference with estate assets
- Protect your rights and those of other beneficiaries
- Satisfy regulatory and financial institutions
4. Who is Eligible to Apply in Lagos State?
Under Lagos State’s succession laws, the following parties can apply for a Letter of Administration, in descending order of priority:
- Surviving spouse
- Children of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased
- Siblings
- Other close relatives (next-of-kin)
- Creditors (in special cases)
Only a maximum of four administrators can be appointed to act jointly.
5. Legal Basis for the Application
The key legislation governing the process includes:
- Administration of Estates Law of Lagos State
- Probate Practice Rules
- High Court of Lagos State Civil Procedure Rules
- Customary Law (where applicable)
These laws ensure fairness, transparency, and legal compliance in managing intestate estates.
6. Step-by-Step Procedure for Applying
Step 1: Visit the Probate Registry
Attend the High Court (Ikeja or Lagos Island) Probate Registry to initiate the process.
Step 2: Purchase and Fill Required Forms
The applicant(s) will complete:
- Application for Letters of Administration
- Oath of Administration
- Inventory and Schedule of Assets
- Administration Bond
- Surety Form (2 sureties required)
- Next-of-Kin Affidavit
Step 3: Attach Supporting Documents
Submit the following with your forms:
- Original Death Certificate
- Identification documents of applicants
- Passport photos
- Evidence of relationship to deceased
Step 4: Estate Valuation and Assessment
The Registry will assess the estate to determine probate fees payable.
Step 5: Payment of Fees
Pay assessed probate charges and obtain receipts.
Step 6: Newspaper Publication
A 21-day public notice is issued in a national daily or official gazette to invite objections.
Step 7: Grant of Letter of Administration
After the notice period and if no objections arise, the Registrar will grant the Letters of Administration.
7. Required Documents
- Death Certificate
- Passport Photos (applicant and deceased)
- Completed application forms
- Valid ID (NIN, passport, etc.)
- Proof of relationship (e.g., birth or marriage certificates)
- Evidence of property or assets
- Surety documents and land titles
8. Estimated Costs and Timelines
Costs
- Probate Fees: Vary by estate value (typically 5–10%)
- Publication Fee: ₦10,000–₦30,000
- Legal Fees: Based on complexity
Duration
- 3–6 months (longer if disputes arise or documents are incomplete)
9. Common Challenges and Pitfalls
- Family disputes or rival applications
- Delay due to incomplete documentation
- Unqualified sureties
- Attempted fraud by third parties
- Bureaucratic delays at the Registry
10. Role of a Probate Lawyer
Hiring a legal expert ensures:
- Timely filing of all documentation
- Proper estate valuation
- Dispute resolution
- Liaison with Probate officials
- Compliance with evolving procedures
At Chaman Law Firm, we have successfully handled numerous probate matters across Lagos.
11. Difference Between Probate and Letters of Administration
| Criteria | Probate | Letters of Administration |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable When | There is a Will | No Will exists |
| Role | Executor carries out Will | Administrator manages estate |
| Process | Validates Will | Appoints legal administrator |
| Beneficiaries | Named in Will | Determined by law (intestate succession) |
12. Our Approach at Chaman Law Firm
We provide:
- One-on-one consultation
- Document review and preparation
- Verification of estate and heirs
- Court representation
- Post-approval support (asset transfer, estate planning)
We work with both local and diaspora clients.
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply from abroad?
A: Yes, through a Power of Attorney appointing someone in Nigeria.
Q: How many administrators can be appointed?
A: Maximum of four.
Q: Can the Letters be revoked?
A: Yes—if obtained fraudulently or through misrepresentation.
14. Final Thoughts
Securing a Letter of Administration in Lagos is essential to managing a deceased person’s estate. It protects both the beneficiaries and the estate from fraud, abuse, and legal uncertainty.
15. Call to Action
Need professional help?
📞 Call or WhatsApp 0806 555 3671
📧 Email us: chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
🌐 Visit: www.chamanlawfirm.com
16. Key Tips for Success
- Get all documents ready
- Engage qualified legal counsel early
- Avoid shortcuts or non-lawyers
- Ensure sureties have valid, traceable assets
- Monitor progress and publication
17. Role of Sureties Explained
Sureties must:
- Own property in Lagos
- Provide supporting title documents
- Sign an oath of responsibility
If the administrator defaults, they may be held liable.
18. Sample Processing Timeline
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Document Gathering | 1–2 weeks |
| Form Processing | 1–2 weeks |
| Assessment and Payment | 1 week |
| Newspaper Publication | 21 days |
| Final Approval | 2–4 weeks |
19. Legal Risks of Acting Without a Letter
Operating or accessing estate property without lawful authority constitutes intermeddling and is punishable by law.
20. Probate Digitization in Lagos
The Lagos Probate Registry now supports:
- Online updates
- E-notifications
- Assessment portals
However, physical presence and filings are still required in many stages.
21. Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting forged documents
- Choosing wrong sureties
- Skipping legal consultation
- Failing to notify all next-of-kin
- Ignoring objections or caveats
22. A Case Study from Chaman Law Firm
A widow contacted us after 18 months of delay. Within 90 days, our team secured her Letter of Administration, restored access to her husband’s assets, and ensured proper distribution—all legally and transparently.
23. Why You Should Trust Chaman Law Firm
- Probate specialists with Lagos expertise
- Fast turnaround
- Transparent billing
- Diaspora-friendly service
- Client-first ethics
24. Preserving Your Family Legacy
Proper estate administration ensures wealth transition and prevents intergenerational conflict. Do it right—legally and professionally—with Chaman Law Firm.
25. Connect with Us Today
📍 Chaman Law Firm
115, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos
📞 0806 555 3671
📧 chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
🌐 www.chamanlawfirm.com