How Can Heirs Force Sale of Inherited Real Property When a Co-owner Refuses to Cooperate in North Carolina? Detailed Answer When a decedent leaves real property to multiple heirs in North Carolina, each heir owns an undivided interest in the entire parcel. If one co-owner declines to agree on sale or distribution of the property,…
Understanding Your Rights in North Carolina Probate Accounting When someone you love passes away, the personal representative (sometimes called the executor) oversees collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to heirs. Throughout this process, the personal representative must prepare an accounting showing every transaction. North Carolina law gives heirs the right to…
What is the process for filing a Small Estate Affidavit in North Carolina for estates under $20,000? Detailed Answer When someone passes away in North Carolina with assets valued at $20,000 or less (excluding certain exempt property), family members can use a Small Estate Affidavit to transfer personal property without formal probate. The process is…
When Should I Use a Small Estate Affidavit Instead of Full Probate Administration in North Carolina? Detailed Answer In North Carolina, you may choose a Small Estate Affidavit when the decedent’s personal property subject to administration totals $20,000 or less and no estate administration petition exists. This streamlined process, governed by N.C. Gen. Stat. §…
How do I file an extension for the probate inventory deadline in North Carolina? Detailed Answer When you serve as a personal representative in North Carolina, the court requires you to file a complete inventory of the estate’s assets within 90 days after your appointment. See N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-13-1. If you cannot meet…
What information must be included in North Carolina’s probate inventory and appraisement under North Carolina law? Detailed Answer When someone dies in North Carolina and you serve as the personal representative (formerly called executor), you must prepare two key filings for the clerk of superior court: the probate inventory and the appraisement. These requirements appear…
What steps are required to create a valid living will in North Carolina? Detailed Answer A living will in North Carolina is called a Declaration of a Desire for a Natural Death. It lets you state your wishes about life-sustaining treatment if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. The key steps follow North Carolina…
How do I petition a North Carolina probate court for possession, control, custody, and sale of estate real property? 1. Detailed Answer When a loved one passes away leaving real property, you often need court approval before you can manage or sell that asset. In North Carolina, the personal representative (formerly called executor or administrator)…
What steps can I take to remove a mismanaging co-administrator and appoint a successor under North Carolina probate law? Detailed Answer Under North Carolina law, a personal representative—whether an executor or administrator—must manage estate assets responsibly and in the best interests of the heirs and creditors. If a co-administrator mismanages the estate through misconduct, neglect…
How Can I Determine Which Assets Require Full Probate Administration Versus Those That Bypass Probate in the State of North Carolina? 1. Detailed Answer When someone dies in North Carolina, their estate may include assets that must go through full probate administration and assets that pass outside probate. Understanding the distinction helps you plan and…
