What are the next steps to handle my parent’s estate after a new development comes up? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, the next step depends on what the new development is and whether an estate has already been opened with the Clerk of Superior Court. In most cases, the personal representative must review…
What happens to a deceased parent’s share of a grandparent’s property when the parent dies before the property is sold? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, a deceased parent’s inherited share usually does not disappear just because the parent dies before the grandparent’s property is sold. That share generally becomes part of the parent’s…
How do I fix a check that was mistakenly made payable to an estate instead of the right person? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, the fix usually depends on who legally owns the money. If the funds belong to the estate, the personal representative generally collects them using the estate file and letters…
What happens if Medicaid says there is a lien—does it have to be paid before anything can be finalized? – NC Short Answer Usually, yes. In North Carolina probate, if the Department of Health and Human Services has a valid Medicaid estate recovery claim, the personal representative generally must resolve that claim before the estate…
What documents or information can I provide to help speed up the Medicaid lien verification process? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, the fastest way to verify a possible Medicaid estate recovery claim is to give the law office a complete probate packet and basic identifying information for the deceased person. That usually includes…
What can the estate do if a bank or lender keeps delaying requested account statements needed for probate? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, the estate usually starts by proving the personal representative’s authority and making a clear written demand for the missing records. If a bank or lender still delays, the estate can…
How can I confirm whether a deceased person had any other loans or accounts that the estate needs to address? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, the personal representative usually confirms unknown loans or accounts by gathering the decedent’s financial records, reviewing mail and tax documents, checking credit history, and using the probate creditor-notice…
What happens if I don’t pay the public administrator by the deadline they gave me? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, missing a payment deadline tied to a public administrator usually does not create one automatic statewide penalty by itself, but it can delay the estate, prevent approval of filings, and lead the clerk…
What information should I ask for in writing before agreeing to work with a public administrator? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, before agreeing to work with a public administrator or making any payment, it is wise to ask for a written explanation of the administrator’s authority, the estate’s current status, the expected fees…
If the estate doesn’t have enough money to pay all creditors, what happens to medical bills and utility bills after the funeral expenses are paid? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, an insolvent estate does not pay bills in any order the executor chooses. After costs and expenses of administration, allowed funeral expenses, and…
