How do I claim my share of the home’s value through probate if I do not want to keep or live in the property? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a person who inherits an interest in a home but does not want to keep it typically claims the value by (1) making…
What paperwork do I need to remove a deceased spouse’s name from a car title? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the paperwork depends on how the vehicle was titled and whether a personal representative has been appointed. Many surviving spouses can update the title by taking the current title and a certified…
Can I use letters of administration to request a loan modification on estate property? – North Carolina Short Answer Often, yes. In North Carolina, once a person is appointed as the estate’s administrator and receives letters of administration from the Clerk of Superior Court, that person usually has authority to communicate with the mortgage servicer…
What resources are available to verify and recover retirement benefits for an estate? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a personal representative can usually verify and recover a decedent’s retirement benefits by (1) searching the decedent’s records for plan clues, (2) contacting current and former employers and plan administrators in writing, (3) checking…
Can I close the estate if a co-heir won’t return an estate asset? – North Carolina Short Answer Usually, no. In North Carolina, an administrator generally cannot properly close an estate until estate property is accounted for and brought under the administrator’s control (or the loss is formally addressed in the accounting). If a co-heir…
How can I obtain complete transaction records for a deceased person’s bank or investment accounts as executor? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an executor (personal representative) usually obtains complete bank and brokerage transaction records by sending the institution a written request with a certified copy of the Letters Testamentary (or Letters of…
How can I determine if estate assets are liable for a decedent’s debt? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, estate assets are generally liable for a decedent’s debts only if the debt is a valid claim and it is presented on time through the estate claims process. Whether a specific asset can be…
What happens after an estate accounting is submitted to the court? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an estate accounting is filed with the Clerk of Superior Court (Estates Division), and the clerk’s office typically reviews it for completeness and support (like bank statements and receipts), then either approves it or sends it…
What documents will the DMV require to let me sign the title as the executor (will, death certificate, court papers)? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the DMV usually will not accept an executor’s signature on a deceased owner’s title unless there is proof that the executor has legal authority to act for…
How do I, as a co‑trustee and beneficiary, safely review and sign bank or trust documents when my sibling is pressuring me to sign quickly? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a co-trustee should not sign bank or trust documents under pressure without first confirming authority, understanding what the document does, and creating…
