What Should I Do If I Suspect Fraud or Inaccuracies in Estate Documents? In North Carolina probate matters, discrepancies or errors in estate documents raise serious concerns. If you review documents that appear to have missing information or even forged signatures, you should proceed with caution. In our recent call transcript, the client mentioned that…
What Is Probate and When Is It Necessary in North Carolina? Probate is the legal process used to validate a will or, in an intestate case, determine the heirs when a person passes away. In North Carolina, probate confirms the decedent’s wishes, settles debts and distributes assets in accordance with state law. Under North Carolina…
How Can I Contest a Will in North Carolina? Contesting a will in North Carolina requires careful review of the circumstances surrounding its execution and the mental capacity of the decedent. If you believe that a will was fraudulently executed or that the decedent lacked capacity due to conditions such as dementia – as can…
Do I Need to Open Probate for My Deceased Mother’s House in Charlotte, NC? If your mother’s home in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, was solely in her name and no transfer on death deed exists, probate likely is necessary. Probate provides a formal process to determine asset distribution and offers protection for all heirs. In North…
How Can I Contest a Will in North Carolina When It Appears to Have Been Altered Under Questionable Circumstances? In North Carolina, contesting a will can be a challenging process, especially if you suspect that the document was altered under questionable circumstances. When a family member with power of attorney influences an estate plan, you…
What Is a Final Accounting in the North Carolina Probate Process? A final accounting is a comprehensive statement prepared by the personal representative in a probate case. In North Carolina, once all estate debts have been paid and assets gathered, this accounting details all receipts, disbursements, and distributions before the estate is closed. For instance,…
What Does Meeting Probate Deadlines in North Carolina Entail? In North Carolina probate administration, deadlines serve as critical milestones in managing an estate. When a probate attorney follows up regarding deadlines, it means they are ensuring that all tasks—including filing petitions, securing property, notifying creditors, and addressing beneficiary concerns—are completed on time. For example, in…
Should I Open Probate or Seek a Partition Action for My Inherited Property? In North Carolina, if you inherit property and disputes arise among co-owners, you must choose between opening the probate estate or initiating a partition action to resolve conflicts. Opening probate creates a formal estate administration that establishes clear legal title and allows…
How Can I Determine if I Am a Beneficiary of a Trust After My Spouse’s Death? When a spouse dies leaving assets in a trust, you may wonder if you are named as a beneficiary. In North Carolina, trust instruments are private documents and do not automatically provide copies to those who suspect they have…
Does Being Named as Beneficiary on a Life Insurance Policy Mean You Inherit the Entire Estate? In North Carolina, a designation as a life insurance beneficiary is very specific. Being named on a policy means you are entitled to receive the benefits under that policy upon the insured’s death. It does not automatically grant any…
