Jan142026
Probate Q&A Series

How can I get a full copy of the probate inventory and accounting to see what assets were reported? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, the probate inventory and the executor’s annual and final accountings are filed with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the estate is open, and an “interested person” can usually obtain copies from the estate file. If the executor has not filed required accountings or the filings appear incomplete, an interested person can ask the Clerk to order a correct and complete filing and set a short deadline. Some supporting documents (like bank statements and vouchers) may be reviewed by the Clerk but may not automatically become part of the public estate file.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina probate, the key question is how an heir or other interested person can get a complete copy of what the executor reported to the Clerk of Superior Court as the estate’s assets and financial activity. The issue usually comes up when an executor stops communicating as the estate nears closing and the paperwork on file appears to show missing categories of property. The practical goal is to confirm what was actually filed (inventory, annual account, and final account) and whether the filings reflect the estate property that should have been reported.

Apply the Law

North Carolina estate administration is supervised by the Clerk of Superior Court. The executor (also called the personal representative) generally must file an inventory early in the administration and then file accountings that show money and property coming in and going out of the estate during the administration. The inventory and accountings that are filed become part of the estate file maintained by the Clerk’s office, and copies can typically be requested from that file. If required filings are missing, late, or appear incorrect or incomplete, an interested person can ask the Clerk to compel a proper filing and set a short compliance deadline.

Key Requirements

  • There must be an open estate file: The inventory and accountings are obtained from the estate file in the county where the executor qualified (the Clerk of Superior Court for that county).
  • The requestor must be an “interested person” (in most disputes): Heirs and beneficiaries usually qualify, and that status matters most when asking the Clerk to force filings or correct problems.
  • Understand what is (and is not) in the file: The filed inventory and the filed annual/final accounts are typically available. Backup materials (like vouchers, receipts, and bank statements) may be reviewed by the Clerk to audit the account, but they are not always filed as part of the permanent estate record.

What the Statutes Say

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: The estate appears to be approaching closing, communication has stopped, and the inventory on file appears incomplete (for example, real estate is listed but little cash). Under North Carolina practice, the first step is to obtain copies of what has actually been filed in the estate file (inventory and any annual or final account). If required accountings are missing or the filings appear incomplete, an interested person can ask the Clerk to compel a correct and complete filing, which can force the executor to put the accounting on record and move the administration toward closure.

Process & Timing

  1. Who requests: An heir, beneficiary, or other interested person. Where: The Clerk of Superior Court (Estates Division) in the North Carolina county where the estate is open. What: Request copies of the filed inventory and all filed accountings (annual and/or final) from the estate file; if the file is electronic, request the full docket and all PDFs. When: As soon as there is concern about missing assets or a nonresponsive executor, especially before the estate closes.
  2. If filings are missing or look incomplete: File a written request/motion in the estate proceeding asking the Clerk to compel a correct and complete inventory/accounting and set a compliance deadline. North Carolina law allows the Clerk to order a corrected filing within 20 days after service of the order.
  3. After the accounting is filed: Review the inventory and account line items for categories that commonly explain “missing” value (for example, non-probate assets that may pass outside the estate, or assets discovered later and reflected in later accounts). If questions remain, consider an estate proceeding to require clarification, corrections, or other relief the Clerk can order.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

  • Not everything belongs in the probate inventory: Some assets pass outside probate (for example, certain beneficiary-designated accounts). That can make an inventory look “too small” even when nothing improper happened.
  • Backup documents may not be in the file: Even when the executor must support disbursements with vouchers, those documents may be submitted for review without becoming part of the permanent public file. A request for “everything” may still produce only the filed forms unless the Clerk requires more to be filed.
  • Late filings and “silent” administration: A lack of communication does not automatically mean wrongdoing, but it often correlates with missed deadlines and incomplete recordkeeping. Waiting until the estate is about to close can reduce practical leverage and increase the cost of fixing problems.

For more background on tracking filings when an executor goes quiet, see get updates about the probate case and when the court inventory is filed and how to get a copy.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, a full copy of the probate inventory and any annual or final accountings is obtained from the estate file maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the estate is open. If the executor has not filed required reports or the filings appear incomplete, an interested person can ask the Clerk to order a correct and complete filing, and the Clerk can set a 20-day compliance deadline after service of the order. The next step is to request the complete estate file copies from the Clerk’s office and confirm whether an annual or final account has been filed.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If a North Carolina estate is nearing closing and the executor has stopped communicating or the inventory/accounting looks incomplete, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help explain the court file, the accounting requirements, and the options to ask the Clerk to compel a proper filing. 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: Pierce Law

Pierce Law Group is a North Carolina law firm focused on probate administration, real estate partition matters, and surplus funds claims across North Carolina. We know these situations often come with stress, family dynamics, and time-sensitive decisions—so we prioritize clear communication, steady guidance, and a practical plan from day one. Our goal is to make a complicated process feel manageable, while protecting what matters most to you.