What proof counts as a satisfaction of claim if the creditor won’t issue a letter but cashes the check? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina estate administration, a creditor cashing an estate check is often strong practical proof that the claim was paid, especially when paired with clear payment documentation (copy of the…
What’s the process to close a decedent’s out-of-state bank account and transfer the funds into the estate account? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the personal representative (executor or administrator) typically closes a decedent’s bank account by presenting certified Letters (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration) and a certified death certificate to the…
What documents does an insurance company need to confirm the personal representative for an estate? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an insurance company usually confirms a personal representative (PR) by requesting a certified copy of the PR’s Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no…
If the estate owns only one condo, what exactly needs to be listed and valued for the inventory? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the estate inventory must list the condo with enough detail to identify it and must report its value as of the decedent’s date of death. The inventory also needs…
Can I file a probate petition on behalf of other heirs or interested parties? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, one heir or other “interested person” can usually start a probate-related court proceeding, but that person generally cannot file as the other heirs unless those other heirs formally join the petition or give…
If there are multiple accounts (an estate account and the decedent’s account), do I need separate authorizations to close each one? – North Carolina Short Answer Usually, yes. In North Carolina, an estate account (opened in the estate’s name after the personal representative qualifies) and the decedent’s pre-death account(s) are legally different accounts, and financial…
What are the next steps to start trust administration and asset distribution when there’s delay? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the next steps usually start with confirming who the trustee is, getting a copy of the trust, and making a written demand for information and action. If the trustee continues to delay,…
What happens if a parent dies with an unsigned will—does it count at all, or is it treated like there is no will? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an unsigned will usually does not count as a valid will, so the estate is typically handled as if there is no will (intestate).…
As the executor, can I refuse the fiancé’s demand and delay or stop the sale of the house until the dispute is resolved? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an executor generally does not have to accept a non-spouse partner’s demand for a “percentage of the house” unless that person has a legally…
What steps should I take to find and transfer unknown bank and retirement accounts into my name? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, unknown bank and retirement accounts usually cannot be transferred directly into an heir’s name until someone has legal authority to act for the estate (typically a court-appointed personal representative). The…
