How do I initiate mediation to resolve a partition dispute and avoid a court-ordered sale? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you can ask the Clerk of Superior Court to order mediation in a pending partition case under the mediation program for matters before the clerk. File a short motion in the partition…
What effect does the deed’s undivided half interest clause have on my ability to recover unequal contributions? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a deed that states each co-owner holds an undivided 50% interest sets the ownership shares, but it does not bar you from seeking reimbursement for paying more than your share…
How can I ensure the co-owner living in the house has enough time to find new housing after a sale? – North Carolina Short Answer In a North Carolina partition case, the Clerk of Superior Court (or a Superior Court judge if transferred) controls the sale and can set terms for possession. You can ask…
Do we have to appoint a commissioner to sell our jointly owned property in a partition action? – North Carolina Short Answer Not always. In a North Carolina partition case, the Clerk of Superior Court can order a sale and typically appoints a commissioner for a judicial auction, but the court may also approve an…
What options exist to stop or modify a pending order appointing a commissioner if it hasn’t been signed? – North Carolina Short Answer In a North Carolina partition special proceeding, you can ask the Clerk of Superior Court to pause, modify, or condition a not-yet-signed order appointing a commissioner. Common options include filing a written…
What steps do I need to review and sign the partition petition verification page? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the verification is your sworn statement that the facts in the partition petition are true. Review the draft for accuracy, then sign the verification page only in front of a notary who will…
What happens if someone contests title to property I got from my step-parent? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a title fight over property tied to an open estate is handled in the Clerk of Superior Court as an estate proceeding or in Superior Court by civil action. If anyone raises a genuine…
How can I defend my quitclaim deed when a nonresident relative challenges it? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a properly delivered and recorded quitclaim deed generally removes the property from the estate, so the challenger must prove a legal defect (like lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, or no delivery). Title disputes…
Can I challenge the distribution of sale proceeds if I suspect the buyer will not honor use restrictions? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, distribution of court-ordered sale proceeds follows a fixed order: costs and liens first, then valid estate claims (if it is an estate sale), and only then to the co-owners…
What can I do if a co-owner continues to delay the partition process? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the Clerk of Superior Court controls the partition calendar and may deny further continuances without good cause. Your attorney can object to another delay, ask for a firm scheduling order, and request the hearing…