What is the difference between a small estate affidavit and letters testamentary?

A small estate affidavit is a legal document used to simplify the probate process for estates that fall below a certain value threshold, allowing heirs to claim assets without formal probate proceedings. In contrast, letters testamentary are issued by a probate court to authorize an executor named in a will to manage and distribute the deceased's estate. While the small estate affidavit is typically used for less complex situations, letters testamentary are necessary for estates requiring full probate administration.