How do you access state retirement or insurance benefits in North Carolina when no beneficiary is named on the account?

How to Access State Retirement or Insurance Benefits in North Carolina When No Beneficiary Is Named Detailed Answer When a public employee or retired member of a State retirement system or group insurance plan passes away without naming a beneficiary, North Carolina law establishes the order in which benefits become payable. In most cases, these…

How do I settle creditor claims and distribute assets in a North Carolina intestate estate?

How to Settle Creditor Claims and Distribute Assets in a North Carolina Intestate Estate Understanding Intestate Administration When someone dies without a valid will in North Carolina, the court appoints a personal representative to handle the estate under Chapter 28A of the North Carolina General Statutes. This representative must identify creditors, pay valid debts and…

Who pays mediation fees in a North Carolina probate dispute, and can those fees be paid from the estate?

Who Pays Mediation Fees in a North Carolina Probate Dispute, and Can Those Fees Be Paid From the Estate? Detailed Answer In North Carolina probate litigation, the parties often resolve disagreements through mediation. The clerk of superior or district court may order mediation in contested probate matters. Under North Carolina’s Alternative Dispute Resolution rules, the…

When can I use estate funds to repair and sell real property after creditor claim period in North Carolina?

Using Estate Funds to Repair and Sell Real Property After the Creditor Claim Period in North Carolina 1. Detailed Answer Under North Carolina law, personal representatives may use estate funds to preserve real property once the creditor claim period expires. Proper timing and court authorization ensure you protect estate assets and comply with statutory duties.…

How does a North Carolina personal representative properly classify and recover estate administration and real property carrying costs in probate?

How does a North Carolina personal representative properly classify and recover estate administration and real property carrying costs in probate? 1. Detailed Answer When someone dies in North Carolina, the personal representative manages the deceased’s assets and pays debts. Two main cost categories arise during probate: Estate Administration Expenses Personal representatives must pay these costs…

Can I sell inherited real property without probate in North Carolina, and what probate or partition steps apply?

Can I sell inherited real property without probate in North Carolina, and what probate or partition steps apply? Detailed Answer When someone inherits real property in North Carolina, title generally must pass through an approved legal process unless the transfer occurred automatically by operation of law. You cannot simply sign over the deed and sell…