The article examines the institution of releasing the testamentary executor from fulfilling his obligations as a preventive method of protecting civil rights under Russian civil law in the event of a threat of violation. The author analyzes the legal nature and essence of this preventive mechanism, as well as the status of testamentary executor and the circle of persons in whose interests he acts. Considering the preventive function of this protection method, the necessity of an expansive interpretation of the norms regulating the release of the executor is substantiated to prevent possible violations of the rights of heirs and other interested parties. The article also addresses issues related to the legal position of the executor and the expansion of the circle of persons entitled to claim the release of the executor, which contributes to the effective protection of inheritance rights and interests.