What is the process for administering a simple probate estate when the decedent did not leave a will?

What Happens When a Family Member Dies Without a Will in North Carolina? Detailed Answer: When a relative passes away without leaving a will (intestate) in North Carolina, the state’s intestacy laws determine how the assets are distributed. In McDowell County and throughout North Carolina, the estate will be divided according to a statutory formula…

What does it mean if the disbursement directive doesn’t list a specific fee amount, and how will my attorney’s fee and remaining funds be determined?

Why Does the Disbursement Directive Not Specify an Exact Dollar Amount? In many North Carolina probate matters, a directive for disbursement is drafted without an exact figure because the final amount available for distribution will only be determined after a court hearing. The document instructs that all funds from the case be sent to a…

How is the filing fee for the petition to remove beneficiaries being handled, and will it affect how the estate is ultimately distributed?

Who Is Responsible for Paying Petition Filing Fees in North Carolina Probate? In some North Carolina probate cases, a petition may be filed to remove a party whose conduct appears contrary to proper estate administration. The fee associated with this petition – often around $100 to $120 – is not considered the standard estate filing…

Do I need to update the deed to remove a deceased sibling’s interest when my parent holds a life estate, or will title pass automatically through probate upon my parent’s death?

Should I Remove a Deceased Sibling’s Name from a Life Estate Deed in North Carolina? In North Carolina, when a person holding a remainder interest under a life estate dies, their interest passes by operation of law to their heirs. If your mother’s deed provides for a life estate in which she occupies the property…

What legal options do I have for pursuing a legal malpractice claim against a disbarred attorney who mishandled my parent’s estate?

What Legal Options Do I Have if a Former Probate Attorney Mismanaged an Estate? If you believe a former probate attorney mismanaged an estate by engaging in self‐dealing or failing to follow proper procedures, you may have legal remedies available. Even though the attorney in question may have been disbarred, you still might pursue a…

What preliminary steps are involved in starting the Probate Cash process for receiving an inheritance?

What Can I Expect During a Preliminary Probate Consultation in North Carolina? A preliminary probate consultation helps you understand the basic structure of your case. During the consultation, the attorney will review preliminary information about the estate and answer any questions about the process. In North Carolina, the probate process is governed by statutes such…

What are the key steps and cost considerations when opening and administering an intestate probate estate in North Carolina?

What Steps Are Involved in Administering an Intestate Estate in North Carolina? When a loved one dies without a will in North Carolina, the probate process requires appointing an administrator to settle the estate. In Buncombe County, as elsewhere in the state, you must file a petition with the local register of deeds and probate…