Can I use North Carolina’s small estate affidavit to transfer real property if it’s the only asset? Detailed Answer North Carolina’s small estate affidavit process only applies to a decedent’s personal and intangible property. You cannot use it to transfer real estate. Under North Carolina General Statutes § 28A-25-1, an heir or beneficiary may collect…
What is a North Carolina Elective Share and How Does a Surviving Spouse File for It? Detailed Answer In North Carolina, an elective share gives a surviving spouse the right to claim a portion of the decedent’s estate instead of what the will provides. This law prevents a spouse from being left with nothing. North…
Can out-of-state clients work with North Carolina probate attorneys remotely? Detailed Answer Yes. Out-of-state clients can retain and work with North Carolina probate attorneys without ever setting foot in the state. Technology and recent statutory changes make it simple to handle every stage of estate administration from a distance. An attorney licensed in North Carolina…
Are life insurance proceeds and IRA distributions subject to equitable distribution claims in North Carolina after a spouse’s death? 1. Detailed Answer In North Carolina, equitable distribution applies only during a divorce proceeding, under G.S. 50-20. Once a spouse dies, the court no longer divides marital property. Instead, assets pass according to beneficiary designations, a…
How to Verify and Stop an Agent’s Mismanagement Under a North Carolina Durable Power of Attorney 1. Detailed Answer When you grant someone durable power of attorney in North Carolina, you authorize that person (the agent) to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so. North Carolina law imposes on your agent…
What Are the Steps to File a Partition Action in North Carolina? Detailed Answer Filing a partition action lets co-owners of real property ask the court to divide or sell land when they cannot agree on its use or disposition. North Carolina law governs partition actions under Chapter 46 of the General Statutes (see N.C.G.S.…
Detailed Answer 1. Life Estates for Surviving Spouses In North Carolina, a decedent can leave real property to a surviving spouse as a life estate. This interest gives the spouse the right to use, possess, and collect income from the property during his or her lifetime. To exercise this right, the surviving spouse must: File…
Detailed Answer In North Carolina, you need a probate attorney when the decedent’s connections to this State trigger either a primary or ancillary estate administration. You must open primary administration if the person died domiciled in North Carolina, regardless of whether they left real or personal property here. If the decedent lived out of State…
How do I establish guardianship for an incapacitated adult in North Carolina and protect their assets from Medicaid estate recovery? Establishing Guardianship for an Incapacitated Adult In North Carolina, you start by filing a petition in the clerk of superior court where the person resides. Under N.C.G.S. § 35A-1211, your petition must describe the adult’s…
How Long After Publishing Notice Must Creditors Submit Claims and What Filings Are Required for North Carolina Estate Inventory and Accounting? Detailed Answer When someone dies in North Carolina, the personal representative (formerly called executor or administrator) must notify creditors by publishing notice in a local newspaper. This step starts the clock on creditor claims…
