Which term refers to the authority granted before probate when acting with limited authority?

• A. Preliminary letters testamentary.
• B. Letters testamentary.
• C. Letters of administration.
• D. Temporary administration.

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is the kind of authority that can be given to handle an estate before probate, but in a limited way. That authority is called preliminary letters testamentary. They let the named executor begin taking care of essential tasks—like collecting assets, paying funeral expenses, and preserving property—while probate is still pending and before full letters testamentary are issued. The key point is that this is a truncated, pre-probate grant, not the full power that comes after probate. After probate, full letters testamentary are issued, giving complete authority to administer the estate. This differs from letters of administration (used when there is no will or no named executor) and from temporary administration, which are separate tools used in different urgent scenarios.