Is it normal for an executor to request heirs’ social security numbers before distributing estate assets?: North Carolina probate

Is it normal for an executor to request heirs’ social security numbers before distributing estate assets? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a qualified executor may request a beneficiary’s taxpayer identification number (usually a Social Security number) when it is needed for tax reporting, such as preparing IRS Schedule K‑1 for income distributions.…

What steps do I take to transfer life insurance or retirement benefits if I don’t know the beneficiary?: Clear steps for North Carolina estates, including cross-state issues

What steps do I take to transfer life insurance or retirement benefits if I don’t know the beneficiary? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, life insurance and most retirement benefits transfer by the beneficiary form on file with the insurer or plan—not through the will or probate. If you do not know who…

What is the process for notifying creditors and distributing assets in an interstate probate case?: Clear steps under North Carolina law

What is the process for notifying creditors and distributing assets in an interstate probate case? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, if someone dies domiciled in another state but leaves assets here, you typically open an ancillary estate with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the North Carolina assets are…

What steps should heirs take to consent to a co-administrator and prevent forced asset sales?: Practical steps under North Carolina probate

What steps should heirs take to consent to a co-administrator and prevent forced asset sales? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, heirs can streamline a contested administrator appointment by filing written renunciations and consents that nominate a qualified, neutral co-administrator, and by proposing that the Clerk of Superior Court issue letters to two…