Can heirs list and sell inherited property themselves and split the proceeds? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, heirs hold title to a decedent’s real estate at death, but a private sale within two years is not binding on creditors or the estate unless the personal representative (executor/administrator) joins the deed. If a…
What does it mean when a Medicaid lien is waived and how does it affect estate assets? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a Medicaid lien waiver means the State has released its right to recover for the decedent’s Medicaid costs from estate assets. If that was the only reason to sell the…
How can we sell the inherited home without going through court? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, heirs own a decedent’s real estate at death, so a court-ordered sale isn’t required if the estate does not need the house proceeds to pay debts. If the sale happens within two years of death, the…
What is the process for claiming unclaimed life insurance benefits for an estate in North Carolina? Short Answer In North Carolina, the court‑appointed personal representative (executor or administrator) claims unclaimed life insurance by filing a claim with the State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division and providing Letters, a certified death certificate, and any required claim forms.…
How can I compel a bank to produce missing statements needed to complete tax filings? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an estate’s administrator can first request records directly from the bank using certified Letters and a targeted written request. If the bank will not cooperate, you can open an estate proceeding before…
What steps do I need to satisfy an order to show cause for a late or missing annual accounting? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, if you receive an order to show cause for a missing annual account, you must file a complete annual account or obtain an extension within 20 days of…
What steps can I take to protect my child’s inheritance from someone who wasn’t married to the decedent? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the fastest way to protect a minor child’s inheritance is to qualify as the estate’s administrator, post any required bond, and immediately secure the assets. Once appointed, you can…
What paperwork and information do I need to qualify as the estate administrator? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you qualify by filing an Application for Letters of Administration with the Clerk of Superior Court in the decedent’s county of domicile, providing proof of death, the decedent’s last address, and a list of…
How do I get appointed sole administrator when the other heir is unreachable? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the Clerk of Superior Court can appoint you as sole administrator if the other heir (who has equal priority) renounces the right to serve or is deemed to have renounced after not acting. If…
Do I need to list all of my child’s assets even if she didn’t own property or vehicles? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes—North Carolina requires you to file a preliminary inventory with your application and a 90‑day inventory after you qualify, even if the decedent owned no property. If the estate is being opened…
