What information must be included in North Carolina’s probate inventory and appraisement under North Carolina law?

Detailed Answer

When someone dies in North Carolina and you serve as the personal representative (formerly called executor), you must prepare two key filings for the clerk of superior court: the probate inventory and the appraisement. These requirements appear in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-13-2 and § 28A-13-3.

1. Inventory (N.C.G.S. § 28A-13-2): Within 90 days after qualifying as personal representative, you must file a written inventory. The inventory must list every asset owned by the decedent at the time of death. At a minimum, include:

• A clear description of each asset (for example, make, model and year for vehicles; address and legal description for real estate).
• The location of personal property (for example, household goods in the decedent’s home or personal safe deposit box).
• The date-of-death fair market value of each item, expressed in dollars.
• Identification of jointly held property and the percentage owned by the estate.

Refer to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-13-2 for full statutory language: ncleg.gov/GS_28A-13-2.

2. Appraisement (N.C.G.S. § 28A-13-3): In many counties, you must also file an appraisement or prove that no appraisement is needed (for example, when the estate qualifies for summary administration). When required, three disinterested appraisers must swear an oath and set the fair market value of each item listed in the inventory. The appraisement must include:

• The same item descriptions used in the inventory.
• The appraised value as agreed by all three appraisers.
• A signed oath from each appraiser confirming their impartiality and valuation.

Review the full requirements in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-13-3: ncleg.gov/GS_28A-13-3.

Failing to file a complete inventory and proper appraisement can delay estate administration, expose you to personal liability, or lead to sanctions from the court. If you discover additional assets after filing, you must promptly amend the inventory and appraisement.

Key Points to Remember

• File the inventory within 90 days of qualifying as personal representative.
• Include every asset owned by the decedent at death, with clear descriptions and values.
• Appraisals must involve three impartial appraisers unless statute or local rule waives the requirement.
• Amend your filings if you uncover assets later.
• Consult N.C.G.S. § 28A-13-2 and § 28A-13-3 for specific details.

Next Steps

Preparing a full and accurate inventory and appraisement can feel overwhelming. Pierce Law Group has a team of attorneys with extensive probate administration experience ready to guide you. Contact us today for help ensuring your filings comply with North Carolina law. Email intake@piercelaw.com or call us at (919) 341-7055.