Short Answer

In North Carolina, the executor must file an inventory and periodic accountings with the Clerk of Superior Court that show assets, sales, receipts, and distributions. You can inspect the public estate file at the clerk’s office to see sale proceeds and who is entitled to what. If required filings are missing or incomplete, you may ask the clerk to order the executor to account and, if needed, to remove the executor for noncompliance.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know how, in North Carolina probate, you can see what estate assets sold for and confirm your share. Here, you are a beneficiary who learned two years after your aunt’s death that you may be entitled, but the executor has refused information or distributions. Your key decision is whether to get the information directly from the Clerk of Superior Court’s estate file and, if necessary, ask the clerk to compel a proper accounting.

Apply the Law

North Carolina requires personal representatives (executors/administrators) to file a detailed inventory and then annual or final accountings with the Clerk of Superior Court. These filings list assets on hand, sales, receipts, disbursements, and distributions, and the clerk audits them. Beneficiaries are “interested parties” and may request that the clerk order a full, satisfactory accounting when information is withheld. The estate proceeding is before the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the estate was probated. Core timing includes: inventory due within three months of qualification; annual or final accountings thereafter; a 30‑day objection window if you receive a notice of proposed final account.

Key Requirements

• Inventory on time: The executor must file an inventory within three months of qualifying, listing estate property and values as of date of death.
• Accounting of sales and receipts: Annual and/or final accounts must report receipts (including sale proceeds), disbursements, and distributions, with supporting vouchers.
• Clerk oversight: The clerk audits accountings and can order the executor to file a full, satisfactory account within a set time.
• Beneficiary recourse: An interested party may request the clerk to compel an accounting, and persistent noncompliance can support suspension or removal.
• Objections window: If you are served with a proposed final account, you generally have 30 days to object.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-20-1 (Inventory due in three months) – requires the personal representative to file an inventory.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-21-1 (Annual accounts) – sets timing and content for ongoing accountings.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-21-4 (Order to account; sanctions) – allows the clerk to order a full account and remove or hold the executor in contempt for failure.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-21-6 (Notice of proposed final account) – allows service of a proposed final account and sets a 30‑day objection period.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because the executor must file an inventory and accountings that show sales and distributions, the estate file at the Clerk of Superior Court should reveal sale proceeds and who is entitled to receive them. If the executor has not filed required accountings two years after death, you can ask the clerk to order a full, satisfactory account. If you were served with a proposed final account and did not object within 30 days, acceptance may be presumed as to items disclosed.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Beneficiary (interested party). Where: Clerk of Superior Court, Estates Division, in the North Carolina county where the estate was probated. What: (a) Inspect the estate file for the Inventory (AOC‑E‑505) and Account(s) (AOC‑E‑506); (b) If missing or inadequate, submit a written request that the clerk order a full accounting under the statute; (c) If needed, file an estate proceeding with an Estate Proceeding Summons (AOC‑E‑102) and a verified petition to compel an accounting or to remove the personal representative. When: Inventory due within three months of qualification; annual/final accounts follow. A clerk’s order to account typically sets a 20‑day compliance deadline.
2. The clerk may first issue a Notice to File (AOC‑E‑501) and then an Order to File (AOC‑E‑502). If the executor still fails to comply, the clerk issues a Show Cause (AOC‑E‑503) and holds a hearing. Timeframes vary by county.
3. If the executor files the required account, the clerk audits it. You can obtain copies showing sale receipts and distributions. If you disagree with a proposed final account you were served with, file written objections within 30 days. If the clerk enters an order settling the account, short appeal deadlines apply.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Real estate proceeds appear in the estate account only if the personal representative sold the real property and the money came into the estate; otherwise, sales by heirs may not be reflected.
• Non‑probate assets (for example, joint accounts with right of survivorship or pay‑on‑death assets) are usually not part of the estate accounts unless used to pay claims as allowed by law.
• If you were properly served with a proposed final account and did not object within 30 days, you may be deemed to accept items disclosed.
• Get on record: provide the clerk your mailing address and status as a beneficiary so you receive notices. Keep copies of all requests and filings.
• Persistent refusal to comply can support suspension or removal of the executor, but you must follow the clerk’s estate‑proceeding process and service rules.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If you’re dealing with an executor who will not provide information or distributions, our firm can help you understand your options and timelines and take action with the clerk. Call us today.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.