Legal Definitions - domiciliary letters testamentary

Definition:Domiciliary letters testamentary are probate-court orders that approve the appointment of an executor under a will and authorize the executor to administer the estate. These letters are issued at the place where the testator was domiciled.

Example: When John passed away, he left a will that named his daughter, Sarah, as the executor of his estate. The probate court in the county where John lived issued domiciliary letters testamentary to Sarah, giving her the legal authority to manage and distribute John's assets according to his wishes.

Explanation: In this example, the domiciliary letters testamentary were issued in the county where John lived and where he considered his permanent residence. This is important because it determines which court has jurisdiction over the probate process and which executor has the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.