FAQ 1: What steps do I need to transfer title of property when the owner died intestate decades ago and no probate was opened? In North Carolina, when someone dies without a will (intestate), ownership of real estate vests automatically in the decedent’s heirs at the moment of death. If a decedent died in Columbus…
FAQ 1: Can siblings both inherit and keep their father’s house under a will in Buncombe County, NC? When a decedent’s will leaves real property equally to two beneficiaries, both heirs can take title and co-own the home as tenants in common. In Buncombe County probate, the personal representative must follow the will’s terms but…
How Do I Title a Vehicle Omitted from My Deceased Parent’s Probate Estate in North Carolina? If your mother’s estate never listed the car you co-owned, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will not issue a clean title until someone with legal authority does the probate legwork and settles the lien. Under N.C. Gen. Stat.…
What initial steps should I take to open an intestate estate administration in Gifford County, North Carolina? When someone dies without a valid will in North Carolina, the estate proceeds as intestate under N.C. Gen. Stat. §28A-6-1. In Gifford County, you should begin by confirming the decedent’s death date (for example, August 3 of last…
FAQ 1: How can I confirm whether a probate estate in Cleveland County, NC, is still open or officially closed? In Cleveland County, the status of your loved one’s probate file depends on filings with the Clerk of Superior Court. While some counties offer online access, Cleveland County currently relies on in-person or written requests.…
FAQ 1: What should I do if I discover multiple versions of my relative’s will and one seems irregular in Robeson County, NC? Finding more than one will for the same decedent can create confusion—and potential disputes—about which document controls estate distribution. In Robeson County, North Carolina, you should start by confirming which versions have…
FAQ 1: How do I handle disputed assets during the appraisal of an estate’s inventory? Personal representatives in North Carolina have a duty to identify and value all estate assets accurately under N.C.G.S. § 28A-18-2. When an item appears on the proposed appraisal list (often called Exhibit A) but may not belong to the estate,…
FAQ 1: What Is a Commissioner’s Sale in North Carolina Probate and How Do Upset Bids Work? When real estate in an estate fails to sell on the open market, a probate court may appoint a commissioner to sell the property at public auction. In Wake County and other North Carolina jurisdictions, this process follows…
Can I Request an Emergency Distribution from a Trust in Orange County, NC to Cover Living Expenses? If you or a loved one face an unexpected financial hardship, you may wonder whether a trustee can advance funds from a trust to cover urgent living expenses. In North Carolina, how and when a beneficiary may receive…
FAQ 1: How can I verify if my husband’s estate is open in Edgecombe County and access the filings? When someone dies owning assets solely in their name, the personal representative (executor) must file paperwork with the county clerk to open probate. In Edgecombe County, you can confirm an estate’s open status and review what’s…
