Dec212025
Probate Q&A Series

Can a transfer-on-death designation override instructions in a will or trust? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, a valid transfer-on-death (TOD) designation on a brokerage account or security generally controls who receives that asset at death, even if a will or trust says something different. That is because a TOD transfer is a nonprobate transfer that takes effect by contract with the financial institution, not through the will. However, the asset may still be reachable to pay certain estate debts if the probate estate is not enough.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina probate and trust administration, the central issue is whether a brokerage account or security with a transfer-on-death (TOD) or pay-on-death (POD) beneficiary designation must be paid to the named beneficiary even when a later will or trust includes different distribution instructions. The question typically comes up when a financial institution’s beneficiary services team requests confirmation of the “correct” beneficiary after a death, or when family members point to a will or trust that conflicts with the account’s beneficiary form. The timing trigger is the owner’s death and the existence of a valid TOD designation on the account at that time.

Apply the Law

North Carolina allows securities and many brokerage accounts to be registered in “beneficiary form” using TOD/POD language. When properly set up, the TOD designation does not change ownership during the owner’s lifetime, but it directs who becomes the owner at death. Because the transfer happens under the account registration contract and the TOD statutes, the brokerage account generally passes outside probate and is not controlled by contrary instructions in a will (and often not by a trust either, unless the trust is actually named as the beneficiary).

Key Requirements

  • Valid TOD/POD registration on the account: The brokerage account or security must be registered in beneficiary form using TOD/POD wording accepted by the registering entity.
  • Beneficiary survives the owner (or a valid contingent beneficiary exists): If no beneficiary survives, the asset typically goes to the owner’s estate, which then follows the will (or intestacy) and the probate process.
  • No lifetime change or cancellation that removes the designation: The owner (or all then-surviving owners) can change or cancel the TOD designation during life, and the beneficiary has no ownership rights before death.

What the Statutes Say

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: The scenario involves a brokerage account and beneficiary-related questions, with a financial institution’s beneficiary services representative involved. If the account is registered with a TOD/POD beneficiary, North Carolina law generally requires the financial institution to transfer the account to the named beneficiary at the owner’s death, even if the will or trust directs that the same account should go to someone else. If no beneficiary survives (or no beneficiary was properly designated), then the account typically becomes an estate asset and the will (or intestacy) governs distribution through the probate process.

Process & Timing

  1. Who acts: The TOD beneficiary (or the personal representative if the account ends up in the estate). Where: With the registering entity (the brokerage/financial institution), and if probate is needed, with the Clerk of Superior Court (Estates) in the county where the estate is opened in North Carolina. What: The institution’s TOD claim packet, plus proof of death and identity documents; if a personal representative is involved, the institution may request letters/qualification documents. When: After the owner’s death and once the institution receives the requested proof.
  2. Verification step: The parties typically confirm the account’s current registration (TOD/POD language; primary and contingent beneficiaries; ownership type such as sole owner versus joint owners with survivorship) because those details determine whether the account transfers outside probate.
  3. Completion: If the TOD designation controls, the brokerage re-titles or distributes the account to the beneficiary(ies). If the designation fails (for example, no surviving beneficiary), the account is treated as part of the estate and handled by the personal representative under estate administration procedures.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

  • Estate debts can still reach the TOD asset: Even though TOD assets are generally nonprobate, North Carolina law can allow recovery from TOD beneficiaries when the probate estate is insufficient to pay estate debts.
  • Designation problems and paperwork mismatches: A will or trust does not “update” an account beneficiary form. Conflicts often happen because the beneficiary form was never changed, was completed incorrectly, or did not match the owner’s broader estate plan.
  • Wrong asset / wrong label: “TOD/POD” is common for brokerage and some deposit accounts, but ownership labels (for example, joint ownership with survivorship versus tenants in common) change what happens at death. The account agreement and registration control.
  • Claims of wrongdoing: Disputes sometimes arise when someone changed a beneficiary designation close to death or while acting under a power of attorney. Those situations can require a careful factual and legal review.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, a valid transfer-on-death designation on a brokerage account generally overrides contrary instructions in a will or trust because the transfer occurs outside probate by contract and statute. If no beneficiary survives, the account typically becomes an estate asset and then follows the will (or intestacy). Even when a TOD designation controls, the account may still be reachable to pay certain estate debts if the probate estate is insufficient. The next step is to obtain the account’s current beneficiary/registration records from the financial institution and confirm the TOD status at death.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If a TOD/POD beneficiary designation on a brokerage account conflicts with a will or trust, experienced attorneys can help clarify which document controls and what deadlines and estate-administration steps may still apply. Call us today at (919) 341-7055.

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.

Category: Probate Q&A Series

Author: jpierce

Attorney Jared Pierce is the founder of Pierce Law Group in Raleigh, North Carolina, a firm he established with a dedicated focus on probate administration and estate planning across North Carolina. Born and raised in the Republic of South Africa, Jared moved to Durham with his family in 2001, bringing with him a rich cultural background and a distinctive accent that often serves as a conversation starter.