Letters testamentary
Also called: Letters of administration
The court document that proves the executor has legal authority to act on behalf of the estate. Required to access the deceased's bank accounts, sell property, and most other estate business.
Banks, brokerages, real estate offices, and the IRS will not deal with an executor without seeing letters testamentary (or letters of administration for no-will cases). The document is issued by the probate court after the will is admitted and the executor is appointed, typically 2–6 weeks after the initial filing.
Most institutions want a certified copy issued within the last 30, 60, or 90 days. Order 5–10 certified copies from the court at the time of issuance; they cost $5–$15 each and going back later for more is a delay you may not have.
- Executor— The person legally responsible for settling a deceased person's estate — paying debts, filing taxes, distributing assets per the will. Named in the will, or appointed by the court if there is none.
- Probate— The court-supervised process of validating a will (if there is one), paying debts, and transferring the deceased's property to heirs. Required in most cases, though some assets bypass it.
This definition is general consumer information, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Industry practices and regulations change occasionally; verify before relying on anything here for a specific decision.
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