How can I get information on my sibling’s frozen bank and investment accounts during probate?

How can I get information on my sibling’s frozen bank and investment accounts during probate? — North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, banks and brokerages will release detailed information about a decedent’s accounts only to the court‑appointed personal representative (executor or administrator) or to someone with a qualifying court authorization. If you are not…

Can I elect a life estate in our real property as a surviving spouse, and how would that impact a potential partition action by my co-owner?

Can I elect a life estate in our real property as a surviving spouse, and how would that impact a potential partition action by my co-owner? — North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, a surviving spouse may elect a statutory life estate in one-third of the decedent’s real estate owned during the marriage—or…

What can I do if my co-owner still demands a buyout or threatens partition, and how can I avoid or delay a partition lawsuit?: Practical options in North Carolina

What can I do if my co-owner still demands a buyout or threatens partition, and how can I avoid or delay a partition lawsuit? — North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, any co-owner of real estate can file a partition proceeding to split the property or force a sale. You can often avoid or…

How can I protect personal property like vehicles and trailers using a spousal allowance as a surviving spouse?: Answered for North Carolina

How can I protect personal property like vehicles and trailers using a spousal allowance as a surviving spouse? — North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a surviving spouse can claim up to $60,000 of the decedent’s personal property as a “year’s allowance,” which can include vehicles and titled trailers. Once the clerk assigns items…