A document issued by a probate court that confirms the authority of an executor or administrator to act on behalf of a deceased person’s estate. This official paper empowers the individual named to manage the assets, pay debts, and distribute inheritances according to the will (if one exists) or state law. As an example, a financial institution typically requires this documentation before allowing the executor access to the deceased’s bank accounts.
Possessing this confirmation is vital because it serves as tangible proof to third parties that the individual representing the estate has legal standing. Without it, transferring property, settling debts, or engaging in other estate-related transactions would be significantly complicated or impossible. Historically, this form of verification evolved to protect both the estate and those interacting with it from fraudulent claims or unauthorized actions.
