What information or documents do you need from me to move the estate forward? – North Carolina Short Answer To move a North Carolina estate administration forward, a law firm typically needs (1) basic information about the decedent and family, (2) the will (if any) and death certificate, (3) a complete list of assets and…
How do I figure out what the deed actually says about the house versus separate pieces of land? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the deed usually does not describe “the house” separately from “the land.” Instead, it describes one or more parcels of land using a legal description (often by referencing a…
If the person named as executor is disqualified or needs to step down, how do I transfer the executor role to someone else or have the court appoint a neutral administrator? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the Clerk of Superior Court (Estate Division) can replace an executor/personal representative if the person is…
What documents will I need to prove my right to inherit when I live outside the United States? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, proving a right to inherit usually means showing (1) the person died, and (2) the claimant is a named beneficiary in a valid will or is an heir under…
Can I use a small-estate process instead of full probate when the main assets are a vehicle and a small bank account? – North Carolina Short Answer Often, yes. In North Carolina, a qualifying “small estate” can sometimes be handled through an affidavit process instead of a full probate administration, and a vehicle can also…
Can a law firm handle my inheritance matter remotely if I’m living in another country? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In many North Carolina inheritance matters, a law firm can handle most of the work remotely even if an heir or nominated executor lives in another country, because the probate case is handled through…
How do I confirm the updated receipt properly lists the estate disbursements, including attorney fees? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina estate administration, an updated receipt should match the estate’s records for what was paid, when it was paid, and why it was paid—including attorney fees paid as an estate expense. Before signing,…
What is the deadline to file a will contest after someone dies? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a will contest is usually filed as a caveat in the estate file with the Clerk of Superior Court. In most situations, the deadline is within three years after the will is admitted to probate,…
How do I pay an approved creditor claim and get written proof it’s satisfied? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina probate, an approved creditor claim is usually paid by the personal representative from an estate account after the creditor-claim period ends (unless the estate is clearly solvent). Written proof is typically obtained by…
Can we file a single final accounting to close the estate once debts are paid and distributions are done? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes—often a North Carolina estate can be closed with a single Final Account if administration is essentially finished before an Annual Account is due. The Final Account must cover the correct…
