How are SBA loans and business debts handled in an estate when a borrower dies without a will, and what liabilities might the surviving spouse inherit?

What Happens When a Parent Dies Without a Will in North Carolina? When a parent dies intestate in North Carolina, the entire estate enters probate and is distributed according to state law. In cases where there is no will, North Carolina’s intestate succession statutes (for example, see N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 29) guide the division…

What are my legal options for recovering damages if property damage by tenants or unresponsive heirs devalues my inherited home?

What are my legal options for recovering damages if property damage by tenants or unresponsive heirs devalues my inherited home? Detailed Answer Inheriting a home can bring both opportunity and responsibility. When tenants damage the property or co-owners (heirs) neglect their duties, the value of your inheritance can drop significantly. North Carolina law provides several…

What are the key responsibilities and time commitments involved for a Personal Representative during the probate process?

What are the key responsibilities and time commitments involved for a Personal Representative during the probate process? Understanding the Role of a Personal Representative in North Carolina When someone passes away in North Carolina, the probate court appoints a Personal Representative to settle the decedent’s estate. This person takes on a series of legal and…

How are probate assets distinguished from non-probate assets, particularly when a business entity and personal guarantees are involved?

How are probate assets distinguished from non-probate assets, particularly when a business entity and personal guarantees are involved? 1. Detailed Answer In North Carolina, the estate of a person who dies is divided into probate and non-probate assets. Probate assets go through the probate court process under Chapter 28A of the North Carolina General Statutes.…

What is an ancillary estate in probate and how does it affect the process of selling property?

North Carolina Probate Lawyer: Resolving Property Disputes and Streamlining Estate Sales Families often discover that settling an estate involves more than filing paperwork. Real property creates unique challenges when heirs disagree, creditors demand payment, or assets span multiple states. A North Carolina probate lawyer can guide personal representatives through three complex situations—partition actions, ancillary probate,…