What are the first steps I should take after my spouse dies to handle their estate correctly? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the first steps after a spouse dies usually include securing important documents and property, identifying what passes automatically (like many joint assets and beneficiary accounts), and deciding whether a probate…
If I live out of state, what extra steps do I need to take to serve as executor, and can I notarize probate documents where I live? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an out-of-state executor can usually still qualify, but the Clerk of Superior Court typically requires extra paperwork and may require…
What documents should a creditor provide to prove a mortgage claim in probate? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina probate, a mortgage lender should provide enough paperwork to show (1) the debt exists, (2) the lender has the right to collect it, (3) the amount owed as of a specific date, and (4)…
Can I still claim reimbursement for property taxes or other expenses my deceased spouse paid if I can’t access their bank records or receipts? – North Carolina Short Answer Sometimes, but reimbursement is harder without documentation. In a North Carolina estate, the personal representative generally can ask to be repaid for reasonable, necessary expenses paid…
Can I use a joint bank account with right of survivorship to pay estate bills, and when is it safe to give money to other relatives? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, money in a true joint bank account with right of survivorship usually becomes the surviving joint owner’s money at death, not…
What should I do if the e-filing acceptance comments say a bond is required but the clerk’s office notes don’t show that requirement? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, treat the e-filing acceptance comment as a prompt to confirm the bond issue directly with the Clerk of Superior Court (Estates) before taking the…
If the estate doesn’t have enough money to cover everything, what happens to unsecured farm supply credit and other unsecured debts? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, unsecured farm supply credit and most other unsecured debts are typically paid only after higher-priority items (like estate administration costs and certain taxes) are handled. If…
Can I participate in the estate hearing by phone instead of video if I have technical issues? – North Carolina Short Answer Often, yes—North Carolina estate hearings that are set for remote appearance can sometimes be joined by phone (audio-only) if video is not working, but it depends on the Clerk of Superior Court’s instructions…
How can I make an estate administrator communicate with me and provide updates if I’m an heir? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an heir usually cannot force day-to-day communication from an estate administrator, but an heir can demand transparency through the probate process. The most practical tools are (1) written requests that…
Does an insurance premium refund need to go through the estate, or can it be paid directly to a beneficiary or family member? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an insurance premium refund that was owed to the deceased policyholder is usually an estate asset, so it is typically paid to the estate…
