How can I secure and protect my deceased parent’s assets while avoiding personal liability for their outstanding debts in a complex probate case?

How Can I Secure My Deceased Loved One’s Estate Assets When There Is No Will in North Carolina? When a loved one dies without a will in North Carolina, you must act quickly to secure the estate’s assets and protect them from potential creditors or foreclosure. First, you should immediately start an inventory of all…

What is the typical timeline for a partition case, and what factors might influence its duration and overall costs?

Probate & Partition Income FAQ | Pierce Law Group What Is the Typical Timeline for Partition Actions in North Carolina? Partition actions in North Carolina vary widely in duration. In many cases, the timeline depends on several factors such as the complexity of the property’s boundaries, the number of co-owners, and the need for detailed…

Should I consult a Maine-based probate attorney to navigate and resolve family estate and property disputes across state lines?

Can I Handle Probate Matters in Another State as a North Carolina Resident? Many North Carolina residents occasionally face estate issues that involve assets or family members in other states. For example, a caller shared that his brother‐in‐law resided in Maine while other relatives were located in Hillsborough, NC. When probate matters cross state lines,…

How does a motion to dismiss affect a partition proceeding when a necessary party—such as a lender—is not included in the pleadings?

What Is a Motion to Dismiss in a Partition Action in North Carolina? A motion to dismiss in a partition action is a procedural request made to the court to strike a particular claim or prayer for relief from the opposing party’s petition. In North Carolina probate proceedings dealing with inherited property, a motion to…

What is a spousal or year’s allowance in probate cases, and how does the process work for assigning personal property?

What Is a Year’s Allowance in North Carolina Probate? A year’s allowance, sometimes called a spousal allowance, is a legal mechanism in North Carolina probate law that preserves a prescribed amount of the deceased’s personal property exclusively for the surviving spouse. When a petition and assignment of a year’s allowance is filed with the court,…