How do I open an estate and get the court papers that let me act as executor if I live out of state? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an executor gets the court papers (usually called “Letters Testamentary”) by qualifying with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the estate…
How is the value of a house handled for the estate inventory if the purchase price is different from the current value? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the house is generally listed on the estate inventory at its fair market value as of the date of death, not what the parent paid…
Can I dispute or negotiate down a creditor claim that I think is wrong or unsupported? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In a North Carolina estate administration, the personal representative (executor/administrator) can ask a creditor for documentation, negotiate a reduced payoff, and—if the claim still looks wrong—reject the claim in writing. If the claim…
How do I transfer or close a deceased person’s timeshare as part of the probate process? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a timeshare interest usually gets handled like any other asset in an estate: someone must have legal authority to act for the estate, then provide the timeshare company with proof of…
How can I negotiate a payoff or settlement with the lender when they refuse to make a counteroffer? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina probate, a lender is not required to negotiate a discounted payoff just because an estate is short on cash. The practical leverage usually comes from (1) confirming the lender’s…
How do I start probate if the original will has been located but the estate was never opened? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, probate starts by taking the original will (or confirming the Clerk has it) to the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the decedent lived and asking the…
What documents do I need to prove I’m entitled to request the death certificate? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a certified death certificate is not available to everyone. The requesting person generally must show (1) valid photo identification and (2) proof of a qualifying relationship to the deceased (like spouse, child, parent)…
How are debts like utility bills and a vehicle loan paid during probate, and am I personally responsible for any of them? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina probate, most debts (like utility bills) are paid from the decedent’s estate—not from a family member’s personal funds—after a personal representative is appointed and creditors…
What do I need to do first as the executor after a parent dies if I’m still waiting on the death certificate? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an executor can usually start the probate process with the Clerk of Superior Court even if certified death certificates have not arrived yet. The first…
What information or documents do I need to provide to prove I’m entitled to a share of the estate? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, proving entitlement to a share of an estate usually means proving (1) the decedent’s death and (2) the legal relationship that makes someone an heir (or a beneficiary…
