Dec232025
Probate Q&A Series

How do we start probate when my ex-spouse died without a will and the only heirs are our adult children? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, an ex-spouse is not the person who starts probate or serves as the estate’s administrator just because the decedent’s only heirs are the former spouse’s adult children. Typically, one of the adult children (or another qualified person) files an application with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the decedent lived to be appointed as the administrator of the intestate estate and to receive “Letters of Administration.” If the estate is small and only has limited personal property, North Carolina law may allow collection of certain property by affidavit after 30 days instead of a full estate administration.

Understanding the Problem

When an ex-spouse dies without a will in North Carolina, who can start the probate process, and what filing starts the court’s appointment of someone to handle the estate? In this situation, the only heirs are the decedent’s adult children, and the key decision point is whether the estate needs a formal administrator appointed by the Clerk of Superior Court or whether a small-estate affidavit process can be used to collect limited personal property. The issue focuses on opening the estate correctly and getting the proper authority document to deal with estate assets and bills.

Apply the Law

North Carolina calls a no-will estate an “intestate” estate. Probate typically starts when an eligible person applies to the Clerk of Superior Court (Estates Division) in the proper county for appointment as the estate’s personal representative (called an “administrator” in an intestate estate) and the Clerk issues Letters of Administration. In smaller estates with only personal property under a statutory limit, North Carolina law can allow an heir or certain other interested persons to collect property by affidavit after 30 days have passed from the date of death, as long as no personal representative has already been appointed.

Key Requirements

  • Proper heirs and intestate status: The decedent must have died without a valid will, and the heirs must be identified under North Carolina intestate succession rules (here, adult children as heirs when there is no surviving spouse).
  • Proper court and appointment: A qualified person must apply to the Clerk of Superior Court in the county with proper venue to be appointed administrator and receive Letters of Administration (or, in limited cases, use a collection-by-affidavit procedure instead).
  • Bond and qualification details: The Clerk may require an administrator’s bond unless an exception applies; for example, when all heirs are adults and agree in writing to waive bond and the proposed administrator is a North Carolina resident.

What the Statutes Say

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: With no will, the estate is intestate, and the adult children are typically the heirs under North Carolina’s intestate succession rules when there is no surviving spouse. To start probate, one of the adult children usually applies with the Clerk of Superior Court to be appointed administrator and obtain Letters of Administration, which banks and other institutions commonly require before releasing estate assets. If the estate only has limited personal property and the statutory conditions are met, an heir may be able to use a collection-by-affidavit process after 30 days instead of opening a full estate administration.

Process & Timing

  1. Who files: Typically one adult child (or another qualified applicant). Where: The Clerk of Superior Court (Estates) in the county where the decedent was domiciled at death. What: Often an Application for Letters of Administration (commonly filed on AOC-E-202), plus supporting information the Clerk requires (such as a certified death certificate and heir information). When: As soon as practical after death when an estate needs someone with legal authority to act.
  2. Qualification items: The Clerk will address bond (including whether the adult heirs can sign a written waiver if the proposed administrator is a North Carolina resident) and, if the proposed administrator lives out of state, may require appointment of a North Carolina resident process agent (often filed on a form such as AOC-E-500).
  3. Authority issued: If approved, the Clerk issues Letters of Administration. The administrator then uses those letters to gather assets, deal with claims, and carry out required estate steps, which can include the statutory notice-to-creditors process and later filings with the Estates Division.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

  • Bond surprises: Bond is common in intestate estates. A bond waiver typically requires that all heirs are adults and agree in writing, and the proposed administrator generally must be a North Carolina resident for that waiver route.
  • Out-of-state administrator issues: A nonresident administrator often must appoint a North Carolina resident process agent for service of estate-related papers, and bond waivers may not be available in the same way.
  • Small-estate limits and asset type problems: The affidavit procedure focuses on limited personal property and has a dollar cap; if additional assets turn up later (for example, an unexpected refund), the Clerk can require a full estate administration and the affiant may have to turn over assets and provide an accounting.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, when an ex-spouse dies without a will and the only heirs are adult children, probate usually starts when an adult child applies with the Clerk of Superior Court (Estates) in the proper county to be appointed as the administrator and to receive Letters of Administration. If the estate only involves limited personal property, an heir may be able to use a small-estate affidavit procedure, but it generally requires waiting 30 days after death and meeting the statutory dollar limit. The next step is to file the application for Letters of Administration with the Clerk of Superior Court.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If a family is dealing with starting an intestate estate after an ex-spouse’s death and needs to determine whether to open a full estate or use a small-estate affidavit, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help explain the steps, required filings, and timing. 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.