What steps do I need to take when the original estate administrator has died before completing the probate? — North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, if the sole personal representative (executor or administrator) dies, the clerk of superior court appoints a successor to finish the estate. In an intestate estate, that successor is an…
How can I reopen my father’s closed estate in North Carolina so I can be appointed as administrator? — North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you ask the Clerk of Superior Court in the original estate county to reopen the estate by filing a petition showing good cause, such as newly discovered assets or…
How long does it usually take to get an out-of-state will approved in North Carolina probate? — North Carolina Short Answer In a straightforward case, once you have the right documents, North Carolina clerks often admit an out-of-state will within a few days to two weeks. The longest delay is usually gathering certified or exemplified…
What happens if the survey shows the property was conveyed out of my mother’s estate decades ago and I have no interest? — North Carolina Short Answer Under North Carolina partition law, only current co-owners (cotenants) can file for partition. If a title check or survey shows the property left your mother’s estate decades ago…
How do I prepare for a partition hearing when a co-owner changes their mind about selling the property? — North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, partition cases are special proceedings before the clerk of superior court under Chapter 46A. The court prefers an in‑kind split (dividing the land) unless a party proves a sale…
How do I deal with a family member contesting or blocking the release of my inherited assets during probate? — North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, if a relative formally contests the will (files a caveat) or raises a dispute in the estate, distributions usually pause until the court resolves it. During a caveat,…
Can I sue my late father’s power of attorney for abusing her authority and withholding my inheritance after probate in North Carolina? Short Answer Yes—if your father’s agent (power of attorney) misused his money before he died, North Carolina law allows claims to recover those assets. Usually, the estate’s personal representative brings the case in…
How can I probate a foreign will in North Carolina if it wasn’t notarized? — North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a will does not have to be notarized to be valid. If a will was signed in another state or country and wasn’t notarized, you can still probate it here by showing it…
What do I need to file a translated death certificate with the court to start probate? — North Carolina Short Answer North Carolina clerks need reliable proof of death to open an estate. A certified or otherwise authenticated death certificate from the place of death is acceptable—even if issued by a foreign government—along with an…
How can I get information on my sibling’s frozen bank and investment accounts during probate? — North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, banks and brokerages will release detailed information about a decedent’s accounts only to the court‑appointed personal representative (executor or administrator) or to someone with a qualifying court authorization. If you are not…
