What is the current status of the estate administration process, and what should I expect next regarding the standstill order, mediation, and receipt procedures?

FAQ: What Is the Current Status of My Father’s Estate, and Why Has Communication Been Limited? In many probate cases in North Carolina, communication from the law firm may seem sparse. However, this often reflects the inherent nature of estate administration. Once an application is approved and the estate is officially opened, several required steps…

How can I ensure I speak directly with the attorney who will handle my probate case?

How Are Disputed Escrow Funds Resolved in North Carolina Probate Cases? How Are Disputed Escrow Funds Resolved in North Carolina Probate Cases? In North Carolina, escrow funds associated with a failed property transaction generally become part of the decedent’s estate once the individual has passed away. If the decedent’s will specifically directs that the residue…

How do I initiate a guardianship petition—including obtaining a multidisciplinary evaluation—to protect an elderly family member from cognitive decline and potential financial exploitation?

How Do I Initiate Guardianship Proceedings in North Carolina for a Cognitively Impaired Family Member? FAQ: How Do I Initiate Guardianship Proceedings in North Carolina for a Family Member with Cognitive Impairment? When a loved one begins showing signs of cognitive decline and becomes vulnerable to financial exploitation or neglect, families often consider initiating guardianship…

What legal options are available for modifying my parent’s healthcare power of attorney or establishing guardianship when their care needs urgently change due to dementia?

What should I do if I need to modify a healthcare power of attorney and address urgent care concerns for an elderly parent with dementia? When an elderly family member with dementia is suddenly relocated, concerns about the appropriateness of an existing healthcare power of attorney (POA) can arise. In a situation where urgent care…

How long should I expect the lien verification process in a probate case to take, and what might cause delays?

FAQ: What Happens When Lien Verification Delays the Probate Process? In North Carolina probate cases, verifying liens on the decedent’s assets plays a critical role in settling the estate. When an administrator identifies potential liens—such as those from a creditor like Blue Cross Blue Shield via a third-party company—the process of confirming the validity and…