Detailed Answer

Short Answer: No. Serving only the personal representative does not meet North Carolina’s notice requirements to heirs and beneficiaries. You must send individual notice to each person as specified in state law.

When someone dies, a personal representative (sometimes called an executor) steps forward to administer the estate. North Carolina’s probate statutes in Chapter 28A set clear rules about who must receive notice of probate proceedings. Under N.C.G.S. § 28A-13-3(b), the personal representative must mail a copy of the notice of hearing to every heir and beneficiary. This requirement ensures each interested party has actual notice of the probate hearing.

Service on the personal representative satisfies the court that the executor knows about the hearing. It does not satisfy the separate duty to notify heirs or beneficiaries. The law requires mailing each person a notice by registered or certified mail at least 10 days before the hearing. Use the recipient’s last known address, and keep the return receipt as proof of service.

If an heir’s address is unknown after reasonable effort, North Carolina law permits publication of notice. Publication applies only to truly unknown or missing heirs. It never replaces direct mailing to any known beneficiary or heir. Failing to send proper individual notices can delay the probate process, invite challenges, or result in liability for the personal representative.

Checklist for Proper Probate Notice

• List every heir and beneficiary of the estate.
• Draft a Notice of Hearing that complies with N.C.G.S. § 28A-13-3.
• Mail each notice by registered or certified mail at least 10 days before the hearing date.
• Address the mail to each person’s last known address.
• Obtain and file return receipts to prove mailing.
• If you cannot locate an heir, publish notice in a local newspaper as allowed by statute.