Category Archives: Probate Q&A Series

Can a prenuptial agreement between my mother and her spouse affect the life estate provisions or my share of her estate in North Carolina, and what can I do if the executor refuses to provide it?:

Can a prenuptial agreement between my mother and her spouse affect the life estate provisions or my share of her estate in North Carolina, and what can I do if the executor refuses to provide it? — North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, a valid premarital (prenuptial) agreement can waive a spouse’s statutory…

Can I sell my mother’s house during the probate process if there’s still a mortgage on it?: North Carolina answer

Can I sell my mother’s house during the probate process if there’s still a mortgage on it? — North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, you can usually sell a deceased parent’s home during probate even if there’s a mortgage, but the authority and process depend on the will and who holds title. The…

How do I prove the value of my mother’s vehicles during probate in North Carolina?: North Carolina Probate

How do I prove the value of my mother’s vehicles during probate in North Carolina? — North Carolina Short Answer List each vehicle at its fair market value as of the date of death, then back it up with proof. In North Carolina probate, you typically show value with printouts from recognized price guides (e.g.,…

Do I have to publish a notice to creditors for three months under the small estate process before selling my mother’s house?: North Carolina Probate

Do I have to publish a notice to creditors for three months under the small estate process before selling my mother’s house? — North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the small estate affidavit process covers personal property and does not authorize selling real estate or require a creditor notice. But if heirs want to…

How do I prove the value of my mother’s vehicles during probate in North Carolina?

How do I prove the value of my mother’s vehicles during probate in North Carolina? — North Carolina Short Answer List each vehicle on the estate’s Inventory at its fair market value as of your mother’s date of death and back it up with credible documentation. In North Carolina, the personal representative may use reputable…

What steps do I need to get appointed as a limited personal representative under the small estate process so I can run a notice to creditors and sell real property?

What steps do I need to get appointed as a limited personal representative under the small estate process so I can run a notice to creditors and sell real property? — North Carolina Short Answer North Carolina allows the Clerk of Superior Court to appoint a “limited personal representative” solely to publish a general notice…

Can my will override the operating agreement to give my business interest to my son?

Can my will override the operating agreement to give my business interest to my son? — North Carolina Short Answer Usually, no. In North Carolina, your will cannot override a company’s operating agreement, shareholder agreement, or buy–sell agreement. Those governing documents control what happens to your ownership interest at death (including any required buyout or…

What happens if our LLC operating agreement doesn’t address what happens to my share when I die?

What happens if our LLC operating agreement doesn’t address what happens to my share when I die? — North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, if the operating agreement is silent, your LLC interest is treated as personal property that passes to your estate. Your personal representative can receive economic benefits (like distributions) and may…

How can I file a partition action to force the sale of my late father’s house?

How can I file a partition action to force the sale of my late father’s house? — North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, any co-owner (tenant in common) may start a partition special proceeding with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the property sits. The clerk will first consider physically dividing…

What steps do I need to prove a zero balance and formally close my spouse’s estate in court?

What steps do I need to prove a zero balance and formally close my spouse’s estate in court? — North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the personal representative (executor or administrator) closes an estate by filing a Final Account with the Clerk of Superior Court that shows all receipts, disbursements, and distributions and leaves…