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letters testamentary

American  

plural noun

Law.
  1. an instrument issued by a court or public official authorizing an executor to take control of and dispose of the estate of a deceased person.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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The executor or administrator of your mother’s estate must present court-ordered letters testamentary or letters of administration to access your mother’s accounts.

From MarketWatch Jul. 15, 2026

That’s when the bank will ask for those letters testamentary.

From MarketWatch Jul. 15, 2026

In addition to a will, letters testamentary, letters of administration, accounting documents are all accessible to next-of-kin through the Surrogate’s Court.

From MarketWatch Dec. 4, 2025

Your son would need to provide the bank with a copy of the death certificate, letters testamentary and, in some cases, a tax ID for the estate.

From MarketWatch Nov. 18, 2025

The executor is then furnished with a copy of the will and with "letters testamentary."

From Studies in Civics by McCleary, J. T. (James Thompson)

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