What steps do I need to satisfy an order to show cause for a late or missing annual accounting? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, if you receive an order to show cause for a missing annual account, you must file a complete annual account or obtain an extension within 20 days of…
What steps can I take to protect my child’s inheritance from someone who wasn’t married to the decedent? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the fastest way to protect a minor child’s inheritance is to qualify as the estate’s administrator, post any required bond, and immediately secure the assets. Once appointed, you can…
What paperwork and information do I need to qualify as the estate administrator? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you qualify by filing an Application for Letters of Administration with the Clerk of Superior Court in the decedent’s county of domicile, providing proof of death, the decedent’s last address, and a list of…
How do I get appointed sole administrator when the other heir is unreachable? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the Clerk of Superior Court can appoint you as sole administrator if the other heir (who has equal priority) renounces the right to serve or is deemed to have renounced after not acting. If…
Do I need to list all of my child’s assets even if she didn’t own property or vehicles? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes—North Carolina requires you to file a preliminary inventory with your application and a 90‑day inventory after you qualify, even if the decedent owned no property. If the estate is being opened…
What happens if my co-heir refuses to sign a renunciation so I can serve as administrator? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you do not need a co-heir’s signature to move forward. If an equal‑priority heir will not sign, the Clerk of Superior Court can treat their silence or delay as an implied…
Can I obtain medical records and witness statements to support a will contest? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, once you file a will caveat (the formal challenge), the case moves to Superior Court and you can use civil discovery tools to obtain the decedent’s medical records and witness statements. Before filing,…
How can I challenge my parent’s will that was allegedly signed online while they were hospitalized? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you challenge a will by filing a “caveat” in the estate file in the county where the will was probated, generally within three years of probate. North Carolina does not recognize…
What evidence do I need to show my parent lacked capacity or was under undue influence when the will was executed? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you prove lack of capacity by showing the signer could not meet at least one of the four capacity elements at the moment of signing. You…
What steps do I need to inventory and value my relative’s assets before paying debts? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the executor must secure assets, publish and mail a creditor notice, and file a detailed inventory with date‑of‑death values within three months of qualifying. Use bank statements, market guides, and appraisers to…
