Estate Property Closings

Your Title Company Needs Updated Letters Testamentary?

This is more common than you think. Here's exactly what they are, why you need them, and how to get them in Brooklyn (Kings County).

What Are Letters Testamentary?

Letters Testamentary are an official court document that proves you are the executor of an estate. They give you legal authority to act on behalf of the deceased — access bank accounts, sell property, and sign documents.

When you're selling inherited property, the title company needs to see recent letters — with a current print date and official court stamp — to confirm you still have active authority to complete the sale.

Important: Title companies generally will not accept old copies of Letters Testamentary, even if they're technically valid. They need a recent copy showing the executor's authority hasn't been revoked.

How to Get Updated Letters in Brooklyn (Kings County)

Option 1: In Person

Fastest

Go to Kings County Surrogate's Court
Show your ID
Pay the fee (~$6 per copy)
Printed on the spot

2 Johnson Street, Room 319, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Mon–Fri: 9AM–5PM

Option 2: By Mail

Slower

You can mail your request, but the court receives hundreds of requests daily. Your request can get lost in the queue or be delayed by weeks.

Juan from Keystone Pinnacle: "I've had experiences where mailed requests get lost in the queue. Sometimes you send something and it just sits there. This is a long process that doesn't need to be this long."

Option 3: Send an Authorized Representative

Fast + you don't have to go

An attorney, paralegal, or authorized representative can go for you. You provide a third-party authorization letter, they go with their ID, and the court prints the letters on the spot. They can then scan them, email them to you, and FedEx the originals.

Keystone Pinnacle offers this service — we can get the letters for you.

Common Complications

Sometimes getting updated letters isn't as simple as walking into the courthouse. These are the most common issues we see:

Co-executor issues

When there are multiple executors, one may want to sell the property and the other may not. This can become litigation and delay getting letters.

Expired or stale letters

If your letters are more than 24 months old, the title company will generally require an update. Letters don't technically "expire," but they need a recent print date.

Missing ID

The court requires a valid photo ID. If your ID is expired or doesn't match the name on the letters, you won't be able to get copies.

Trying to use a power of attorney

Executors sometimes try to send someone with a power of attorney. This doesn't work — the court requires a specific third-party authorization letter, not a general power of attorney.

The original executor has died

If the executor named in the will has passed away, you'll need to petition for Successor Letters Testamentary (form SLT) — a separate process that takes longer.

Juan's tip: "The court is slow, just like any other bureaucracy. Things get lost. Always prepare, prepare, prepare. Due diligence — make sure you have some experience on your side, whether it's an attorney or somebody that's been through the process."

P-1Petition for Probate SLTSuccessor Letters Testamentary TPAThird Party Authorization ET-117Release of Estate Tax Lien

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do updated Letters Testamentary cost?+

The court fee is approximately $6 per copy. Fees can change at the court's discretion, so confirm when you visit.

Can I get Letters Testamentary by mail?+

Yes, but it's much slower. The court receives hundreds of mail requests daily. Your request can get lost in the queue or delayed by weeks. The fastest method is going in person or sending an authorized representative with a third-party authorization letter.

Can someone else get the letters for me?+

Yes. An attorney, paralegal, or authorized representative can get the letters with a third-party authorization letter and valid ID. The court prints them on the spot.

What does 'updated letters' mean?+

"Updated" letters simply means a copy with a recent print date and official court stamp. Title companies typically require recent letters — not old copies — to confirm the executor still has active authority.

What if the original executor has died?+

If the executor named in the will has passed away, you'll need to petition for Successor Letters Testamentary (form SLT) from the court. This is a separate filing and takes longer than simply getting updated letters.

Is your closing being held up by Letters Testamentary?

Every closing situation is different. Our team can help you identify what's needed and how to get it as quickly as possible.

Schedule a Consultation (516) 703-6942

Related Resources

Probate Guide →Selling Estate Property →Estate Closing Documents →Probate or Administration →Surrogate's Court Filing Fees →

Keystone Pinnacle Property Advisors

Inherited a House in Brooklyn?

Selling inherited property involves court filings, tax clearances, and title issues that most agents don't understand. Keystone Pinnacle specializes in exactly this.

Get a free consultation — we'll walk you through the process, the timeline, and what documents you need.

Get a Free Consultation (516) 703-6942

Not legal advice — estate property advisory and court filing guidance.