Can a separated spouse still claim an elective share if the will leaves them out? – NC Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, a surviving spouse can still claim an elective share even if the will leaves that spouse nothing, and separation by itself does not automatically end that right. The main exceptions are when…
Do we have to open probate if the only thing in this state is land that’s already on a deed with multiple family members? – NC Short Answer Not always. In North Carolina, the answer usually turns on what kind of co-ownership the deed created. If the land was held with a right of survivorship,…
How can I coordinate with the Chapter 13 trustee when the personal representative of an estate files bankruptcy? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, estate counsel can usually coordinate with a Chapter 13 trustee by giving clear written information about the probate estate, the personal representative’s role, and the issue that needs direction. When…
Can I sell a deceased parent’s house through the estate when there are not enough other assets to pay debts? – NC Short Answer Yes, in North Carolina, a personal representative can often bring a deceased parent’s house under estate control and seek authority to sell it when the estate does not have enough other…
What do I need to do if I find my parent’s will? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, the original will usually needs to be taken to the Clerk of Superior Court in the county handling the estate so the clerk can determine whether to admit it to probate. If nothing has been filed…
What documents do I need to bring when a parent left a will and several amendments? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, the main documents usually include the original will, every original amendment to the will, proof of death, and the information needed to complete the probate application with the Clerk of Superior Court.…
Can Medicaid force the sale of an inherited home if I live there as my primary residence? – NC Short Answer Usually, no. In North Carolina, Medicaid estate recovery is generally a claim against the deceased recipient’s estate, not an automatic right to force an immediate sale of a home that an heir occupies as…
How do I show a loss on an estate accounting when a bank account listed in the inventory no longer had funds available? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, the estate accounting should usually show what actually came into the personal representative’s hands, what left the estate, and why. If an inventory listed a…
Do I have to travel in person to work with the estate administrator, or can I provide estate information by phone or mail? – NC Short Answer Usually, no. In North Carolina, a family member who is helping a personal representative or administrator gather estate information for the inventory often can provide documents and details…
How should a returned government benefit payment be reported in an estate inventory and accounting? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, the estate inventory should show only property that actually belonged to the decedent and came into the personal representative’s hands or control. If a government benefit payment was returned because it was not…
