Comparison of Legal Heir Certificate, Succession Certificate, Probate, and Letter of Administration
| Aspect | Legal Heir Certificate | Succession Certificate | Probate |
Letter of Administration
|
| Comparison of Legal Heir Certificate, Succession Certificate, Probate, and Letter of Administration | 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: Situations where Succession/Legal heir certificate is required