What bank statements and records are required for a personal representative’s annual probate accounting in North Carolina? Detailed Answer Under North Carolina law, a personal representative must file an annual account with the clerk of superior court until the estate closes. North Carolina General Statutes section 28A-22-18 requires this accounting at the end of the…
What steps and deadlines must be met when filing a caveat to contest a will in North Carolina? 1. Detailed Answer In North Carolina, a caveat lets an interested person pause the will-proving process and ask the clerk of superior court to hear objections before admitting a will to probate. You must act before the…
When can heirs sell inherited property in North Carolina without risking future creditor claims? Detailed Answer Under North Carolina law, heirs must proceed with care when selling property they inherit. Creditors of the deceased can file claims against the estate. If heirs receive title or proceeds too soon, they may have to return funds or…
Can I use North Carolina’s small estate affidavit to transfer real property if it’s the only asset? Detailed Answer North Carolina’s small estate affidavit process only applies to a decedent’s personal and intangible property. You cannot use it to transfer real estate. Under North Carolina General Statutes § 28A-25-1, an heir or beneficiary may collect…
What is a North Carolina Elective Share and How Does a Surviving Spouse File for It? Detailed Answer In North Carolina, an elective share gives a surviving spouse the right to claim a portion of the decedent’s estate instead of what the will provides. This law prevents a spouse from being left with nothing. North…
Can out-of-state clients work with North Carolina probate attorneys remotely? Detailed Answer Yes. Out-of-state clients can retain and work with North Carolina probate attorneys without ever setting foot in the state. Technology and recent statutory changes make it simple to handle every stage of estate administration from a distance. An attorney licensed in North Carolina…
Are life insurance proceeds and IRA distributions subject to equitable distribution claims in North Carolina after a spouse’s death? 1. Detailed Answer In North Carolina, equitable distribution applies only during a divorce proceeding, under G.S. 50-20. Once a spouse dies, the court no longer divides marital property. Instead, assets pass according to beneficiary designations, a…
How to Verify and Stop an Agent’s Mismanagement Under a North Carolina Durable Power of Attorney 1. Detailed Answer When you grant someone durable power of attorney in North Carolina, you authorize that person (the agent) to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so. North Carolina law imposes on your agent…
How do I file a final and amended final accounting in North Carolina probate? Detailed Answer Filing a final accounting in a North Carolina probate estate lets the court and beneficiaries see all financial activity from start to finish. If you need to correct or update that accounting later, you file an amended final accounting.…
How can I open an intestate estate in North Carolina from another state if there’s no will? When someone dies without a will, North Carolina law treats the estate as intestate. You must open probate in the county where the decedent lived at death. Even if you live outside North Carolina, you can serve as…
