Letters Testamentary
An official court document that gives the executor legal authority to act on behalf of the estate. Banks, brokerages, and other institutions require letters testamentary before they will allow the executor to access the deceased person's accounts.
Legal Definition
A formal document issued by the probate court appointing and authorizing an executor named in a decedent's will to administer the estate, serving as evidence of the executor's authority to third parties.
Practical Example
After the court approves Dad's will, his executor receives letters testamentary. She takes these letters to Dad's bank to access his accounts, to the DMV to transfer his car title, and to his brokerage to manage his investments.