How do I ensure all post‑death account activity is captured so no future residuals are left after closing the accounts? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina estate administration, the best way to capture post-death “residuals” (like late dividends, interest, or trade adjustments) is to keep at least one estate cash account open long…
How do I determine if I have been properly served with foreclosure papers? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, “proper service” usually means the foreclosure documents were delivered using a method allowed by the Rules of Civil Procedure and the file shows proof of that service. The fastest way to confirm proper service…
What steps are needed to close an estate when assets include real property and delayed title paperwork? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, closing an estate with real property and “messy” title paperwork usually requires (1) confirming what the decedent actually owned, (2) fixing title issues that prevent transfer or sale, and (3)…
If I was raised by a non-biological parent, do I still have inheritance rights from my biological parent who passed away? – North Carolina Short Answer Possibly. In North Carolina, being raised by a non-biological parent does not automatically erase inheritance rights from a biological parent. The key issue is whether the person qualifies as…
How do I probate or otherwise transfer a deceased parent’s real estate in a different state from where they died? – North Carolina Short Answer Real estate is controlled by the law of the state where the land sits, so a trust-based administration in the state of death does not automatically transfer North Carolina real…
Who is authorized to speak for an estate when an insurance claim involves the deceased person? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the person authorized to speak for a deceased person’s probate estate on an insurance claim is usually the court-appointed personal representative (also called the executor or administrator). The Clerk of Superior…
If all beneficiaries agree to a valuation approach that’s different from what the trust language seems to require, can the trustee rely on that agreement without risking personal liability? – North Carolina Short Answer Sometimes, but not always. In North Carolina, a trustee generally should follow the trust’s valuation instructions, and a private agreement among…
Can I reimburse myself from the estate for expenses I paid out of pocket, such as funeral costs and personal loan payments? – North Carolina Short Answer Often, yes—North Carolina law generally allows a personal representative to repay themselves from estate funds for reasonable, necessary expenses that were properly advanced for the estate, as long…
Can I sell or list the inherited house before the two-year period if it has a reverse mortgage? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an inherited house with a reverse mortgage can often be listed and sold before the two-year mark, but the sale must be structured so the buyer receives good title…
What happens if an estranged sibling was removed from the will—can they still challenge the estate? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, an estranged sibling who was removed from a will may still be able to challenge the estate, but only if they have legal standing and a valid basis to contest…
