Comparison of Legal Heir Certificate, Succession Certificate, Probate, and Letter of Administration.
Aspect |
Legal Heir Certificate |
Succession Certificate |
Probate |
Letter of Administration |
Definition |
Establishes relationship with deceased |
Grants authority to successors |
Validates and executes will |
Appoints administrators |
Purpose |
Applicable for more than only financial matters |
Relevant to financial matters only |
Execute will, transfer property |
Distribute assets |
Usage |
To access pensions, transfer assets |
Transfer properties, claim debts |
Execute will, transfer property |
Distribute assets |
Applying Authority |
Local government authority |
Court having jurisdiction |
Court having jurisdiction |
Court having jurisdiction |
Documentation Required |
Relationship proof, death certificate |
Death certificate, other documents |
Will, death certificate |
Death certificate, application |
Validity |
Indefinite |
Limited (typically 6 months - 1 year) |
Indefinite |
Limited (until administration) |
Scope of Authority |
Establish relationship with deceased |
Transfer or claim assets |
Execute will, distribute assets |
Distribute assets |
Process |
Apply to relevant authority |
Apply to court |
Apply to court |
Apply to court |
Examples of Usage |
Pension claims, property transfer |
Debt claims, property transfer |
Will execution, property transfer |
Asset distribution |
Also Read: Ways how property can be transferred after owner's death?