How to Reopen a Deceased Parent’s Estate in North Carolina for a Toxic Water Lawsuit Settlement 1. Detailed Answer If you closed your parent’s estate and now need to claim proceeds from a toxic water lawsuit settlement, North Carolina law lets you reopen the estate to collect and distribute these new assets. Here’s what you…
Can a Family Member Legally Remove Estate Property Before Probate Is Finalized, and What Steps Can an Administrator Take to Recover Those Assets? Detailed Answer In North Carolina, probate begins when a personal representative (formerly called an executor) files the will and petition with the Clerk of Superior Court under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-2-1.…
What steps must a surviving spouse take to resolve title issues and sell property when the deed remains solely in the deceased spouse’s name? Detailed Answer When a spouse dies leaving real estate solely in their name, the surviving spouse cannot transfer or sell that property until legal title moves from the decedent’s estate into…
Why does having no beneficiary on my retirement account require opening a North Carolina estate, and what tax implications should I expect? 1. Detailed Answer When an individual passes away without naming a beneficiary on a retirement account—such as an IRA, 401(k), or pension plan—the account custodian cannot transfer the assets directly to a person.…
Will a deposit be refunded if my case is transferred to a court-appointed administrator? 1. Detailed Answer When you pay a deposit in a probate matter, it may serve one of two purposes: Attorney retainer: An advance on fees and out-of-pocket costs. Fiduciary bond deposit: Money or securities posted with the clerk instead of a…
What Are the Potential Consequences if the Personal Representative Fails to File the Required Estate Inventory Within the Designated Timeframe in North Carolina? Detailed Answer In North Carolina, a personal representative must file a complete inventory of estate assets with the clerk of court within 90 days after appointment. This requirement appears in N.C. Gen.…
What Are the Differences Between Probate Without Qualification and Ancillary Probate in North Carolina for Handling Out-of-State Property? 1. Detailed Answer When someone dies owning property outside North Carolina, the Personal Representative (PR) appointed in the decedent’s home state often must take formal steps here to transfer that property. North Carolina law offers two main…
How Can I Contest a Will and Protect My Rights When a Relative is Attempting to Sell Our Family Property in North Carolina? Detailed Answer If a relative tries to sell family property under a disputed will, you have tools to protect your inheritance rights. Start by confirming your status as an “interested person.” In…
Understanding the Impact of Delays in Spousal Allowance and Attorney Fee Petitions 1. Detailed Answer In North Carolina probate, two routine petitions often slow down estate administration: a petition for spousal allowance and a petition for attorney compensation. These delays can ripple through your entire probate timeline. Petition for Spousal Allowance Under N.C. Gen. Stat.…
When is a Partition Action Necessary in Probate Cases Involving Property Held as Tenants by the Entirety? Detailed Answer In North Carolina, married couples may hold real estate as tenants by the entirety. North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 41A governs this form of ownership. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 41A-1 (https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_41A/GS_41A-1.html), a tenancy by the…
