N.Y. Est. Powers & Trusts Law § 11-1.3

§ 11-1.3 Power and duty of executor before probate\n An executor named in a will has no power to dispose of any part of the\nestate of the testator before letters testamentary or preliminary\nletters testamentary are granted, except to pay reasonable funeral\nexpenses, nor to interfere with such estate in any manner other than to\ntake such action as is necessary to preserve it.\n