How can I request Social Security records for a probate matter when the beneficiary has already passed away? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, the person usually in the best position to request Social Security information for a deceased beneficiary is the estate’s duly appointed personal representative. That person should be prepared to show…
How do I show that a missing original will was not revoked before death? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, a copied will can still be admitted to probate if the person offering it proves more than just the copy’s existence. The key point is overcoming the usual presumption that a missing original was…
Can a copy of a codicil be accepted if the original is also missing? – NC Short Answer Yes, in North Carolina, a copy of a codicil may be accepted even if the original codicil and the original will are both missing, but only through a lost-will probate proceeding. The person offering the copies must…
How do I get a complete copy of a probate file for use in a wrongful death case? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, a complete probate file is usually obtained from the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the estate was opened. The clerk handles estate administration records, and a lawyer…
Are life insurance proceeds and retirement accounts part of the probate estate or handled separately? – NC Short Answer Usually, life insurance proceeds and retirement accounts are handled outside the probate estate in North Carolina if they name a living beneficiary. By contrast, assets owned only in the decedent’s name with no beneficiary designation generally…
What documents from an estate show the deceased person’s assets and debts at the time of death? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, the probate file usually shows a deceased person’s assets and debts through the estate inventory, later accountings, and any creditor claims filed in the estate. The main starting document is the…
Can the estate release my share of the house sale proceeds before a mailed check would normally arrive? – NC Short Answer Sometimes, yes. In North Carolina, a personal representative may be able to make an earlier estate distribution from house sale proceeds if the estate has enough funds to cover debts, costs, taxes, and…
Can estate sale proceeds be sent in a faster way so I am not left without housing? – NC Short Answer Sometimes, yes. In North Carolina, a personal representative may be able to speed up delivery of estate sale proceeds by arranging a faster disbursement method, such as overnight delivery or electronic transfer, but only…
What happens if my share of the money from my parent’s house sale is delayed after closing? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, a delay after closing does not always mean something is wrong. The personal representative usually must make sure sale proceeds clear, estate expenses and valid claims are handled, and required accounting…
How far back can I claim mortgage payments and property-related expenses that came from my own account? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, there is no simple rule that lets an administrator or surviving spouse recover every mortgage payment or property expense paid from a personal account just because the payment was made. Reimbursement…
