Can I file something in probate just to confirm my spouse status without taking any money from the estate? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, the Clerk of Superior Court (Estates) can enter orders in an estate proceeding that address who the heirs are, including whether someone is the surviving spouse, even…
How can we get information from an investment firm about the deceased person’s accounts during an estate process? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an investment firm will usually release account details only to the court-appointed personal representative (executor/administrator) after the firm receives proof of death and proof of authority, such as certified…
If my parent told me the farm equipment was gifted to me before death but it isn’t titled, how can I prove ownership and keep it out of the estate? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, untitled farm equipment can be owned outside the estate if it was truly gifted during the parent’s…
Am I entitled to receive information or documents about the probate case as an heir? – North Carolina Short Answer Often, yes—at least indirectly. In North Carolina, many core probate filings (like the personal representative’s inventory and accountings) are filed with the Clerk of Superior Court and are generally available through the estate file. Also,…
How can I tell if the will we found is legally valid and enforceable? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a will is usually valid if it was properly signed and witnessed (an “attested” will) or, in some cases, if it was entirely handwritten and signed by the person who made it (a…
If we sell the vehicles or other property to pay a major creditor, does that reduce the chances they go after the house? – North Carolina Short Answer Sometimes, but not always. In North Carolina probate, creditors generally get paid from estate assets in a priority order, and a personal representative should not “pick” one…
Can I ask the court for more time in probate, and what should I include in the request? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina probate, the Clerk of Superior Court can allow additional time to file required estate paperwork, including the estate inventory, when there is a practical reason the inventory cannot…
Can an executor get paid for their time, and what if the will says the executor can’t charge a fee? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an executor (called a “personal representative”) can usually be paid a commission for time and responsibility, but the amount is not automatic and typically requires approval by…
How can I protect myself as the personal representative when selling estate property so other heirs or creditors can’t accuse me of selling it too cheap? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a personal representative can reduce “sold too cheap” accusations by using a documented, arms-length sale process and (when required) the court-supervised…
What happens if there are other heirs who may have a claim to the house before it can be sold? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, when a parent dies without a will, the house usually passes to the legal heirs under the intestate succession rules, often as shared ownership. If other heirs…
