What type of attorney should I hire to file a guardianship petition for estate matters? – North Carolina Short Answer Hire a North Carolina guardianship attorney who regularly handles adult incompetency and guardian of the estate cases before the Clerk of Superior Court. They should be fluent in Chapter 35A procedures (petition, service, hearing), bonds,…
Can a guardian be appointed if the person is making poor financial decisions but is mentally competent? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a guardian can be appointed for an adult only if the Clerk of Superior Court first finds the person legally “incompetent.” Poor or risky money choices alone are not enough.…
How do I properly serve all interested parties when filing a surplus funds petition? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you file your surplus funds petition in the existing foreclosure special proceeding and serve every person who might claim the money with a Special Proceedings Summons under Rule 4. That usually includes the…
Can I stay in the property while my surplus funds petition is pending? – North Carolina Short Answer Usually no. In North Carolina, once a foreclosure sale is final and the deed is delivered, the purchaser can ask the Clerk of Superior Court for an order for possession and the sheriff can remove occupants. A…
How do I ensure my living will is legally binding? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, your living will (called an “Advance Directive for a Natural Death”) is legally binding if you sign a written declaration while of sound mind, in front of two qualified adult witnesses, and acknowledge your signature before a…
What factors should I consider for who I appoint as my healthcare agent in a living will? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you state end‑of‑life wishes in a living will and you appoint a decision‑maker in a separate Health Care Power of Attorney. Choose an adult who will follow your instructions, communicate…
How do I start the process to create a living will in North Carolina? Short Answer In North Carolina, a “living will” (Advance Directive for a Natural Death) is a written document you sign to tell doctors what to do if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious and cannot speak for yourself. To create…
Can I use a power of attorney instead of guardianship to cover medical emergencies for my kids? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, a parent can sign a written, notarized power of attorney that temporarily delegates day-to-day care decisions for a minor to a trusted adult, including routine medical consent. For public…
How can I authorize a relative to make medical decisions for my children while we move? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you usually do not need a court-ordered guardianship for a short, planned separation. Parents can sign a written, notarized delegation of parental powers that authorizes a relative to make routine medical…
What documents should I prepare so a family member can enroll my kids in school or take them to the doctor? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, most families can avoid court by using two documents: (1) a school caregiver authorization the local school system accepts for enrollment, and (2) a parental medical…
