How to Vary Letters of Administration in Ghana and Sierra Leone

By ClintonOur Publications

Varying Letters of Administration in Ghana and Sierra Leone

In both Ghana and Sierra Leone, Letters of Administration are essential legal instruments used to distribute the estate of a person who died without a valid will (intestate). However, circumstances often arise where those Letters need to be varied — whether due to the emergence of new heirs, disputes between family branches, or the need to correct factual or legal errors.

At Clinton Consultancy, we are frequently instructed to assist in complex applications to vary existing grants — either by consent of all beneficiaries, or through court petitions in cases of family disagreement.

Common Reasons for Variation

  • Discovery of omitted beneficiaries (e.g., children from a previous marriage)

  • Disputes among administrators or family factions

  • Incorrect share allocations or valuations in the original application

  • Fraud or misrepresentation during the initial grant

  • Death or incapacity of an existing administrator

  • Desire to replace an administrator with another party

  • Cross-border beneficiaries seeking legal recognition in Ghana or Sierra Leone

Our Services Include:

1. Variation Applications

We prepare and file formal variation petitions before the Probate & Administration Division of the High Courts in both countries. Our service includes affidavits, exhibits, and court appearances where needed.

2. Negotiating Family Settlements

In high-conflict cases, we act as neutral legal counsel to negotiate fair redistribution agreements that allow all parties to avoid prolonged litigation.

3. Cross-Border Variations

For estates spanning multiple jurisdictions, we file supporting applications in both Ghana and Sierra Leone to ensure recognition of updated family structures or administrator changes.

4. Post-Grant Disputes & Litigation

Where a variation cannot be agreed, we file for court orders to compel the variation, particularly in cases of undisclosed heirs or mismanagement.

Why Clinton Consultancy?

  • Pan-African Probate Expertise: With offices in both Ghana and Sierra Leone, we seamlessly handle dual-jurisdiction estate matters.

  • Discreet Representation: We understand the sensitive nature of family disputes and act with discretion.

  • Strategic Litigation: When disputes escalate, we are experienced in probate litigation and injunctive relief.

  • Trusted by Diaspora: We routinely act for beneficiaries living in the UK, US, and Europe with inheritance claims in Africa.

Get Legal Support Today

If you need to vary existing Letters of Administration — whether amicably or through court action — Clinton Consultancy is here to assist. Our firm has acted in some of the most complex, high-value, and contentious inheritance matters in West Africa.

WhatsApp/Call: +233 27 252 2695
 Email: amanda@clintonconsultancy.com