To obtain letters of administration in Uyo, Nigeria, which is the legal authority to administer the estate of a deceased person who did not leave a will, you would generally need to follow these steps:
- Prepare the necessary documents: Gather the required documents, which usually include the following:
- Death certificate of the deceased.
- Next of kin’s sworn affidavit or statutory declaration of the deceased’s assets and liabilities.
- Valid means of identification for the next of kin (e.g., international passport, driver’s license, or national identity card).
- Passport-sized photographs of the next of kin.
- If the deceased was a civil servant, a record of service will be required if he/she died in active service or a retirement letter where he died as a retiree.
- Funeral programme of the deceased.
- Duly completed application forms obtained from the Probate Registry.
- Complete the necessary forms: Visit the Probate Registry of the High Court in the State where the deceased resided or where the majority of their assets are located. Obtain and fill out the required application forms. These forms may vary slightly depending on the state, so ensure you are using the correct forms for the specific jurisdiction.
- Obtain necessary supporting documents: Along with the completed forms, you will need to submit the supporting documents mentioned in step 1. Make sure to have both the original documents and several photocopies.
- File the application: Submit the completed forms and supporting documents to the Probate Registry. The court will review the application and documents to verify their authenticity and completeness.
- Pay the required fees: There are usually filing fees associated with obtaining letters of administration. The fees vary depending on the value of the estate. Obtain the fee schedule from the Probate Registry and pay the required amount at the designated bank.
- Publish a newspaper advertisement: In Uyo, Akwa Ibom State likewise other States, it is a requirement to publish a notice of the application for letters of administration in a local newspaper. This serves to notify any interested parties who may have objections.
- Attend an interview: After the application is filed, an interview date will be scheduled. Attend the interview at the Probate Registry, where you may be required to answer questions regarding the application and provide additional information if requested.
- Two sureties will be required and they must present two passport-sized photographs each and also a valid means of identification. It is recommended that one of the sureties must own a landed property within the State.
- Await the grant of letters of administration: After the interview, the court will review the application, supporting documents, and any objections that may have been raised. If everything is in order, the court will issue the letters of administration.
It’s important to note that you can appoint an Attorney to process the grant of letters of administration on your behalf by virtue of a Power of Attorney made by you in favour of the appointed Attorney. Also, the exact process and requirements may vary slightly depending on the State.
It is advisable to consult with a legal professional or seek guidance from the Probate Registry in your specific jurisdiction to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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