How Do I Find More Assets of the Estate in a North Carolina Probate Case?

Detailed Answer

When someone dies in North Carolina, you, as the personal representative, must gather and list all assets in an inventory filed with the clerk of superior court. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-13-1, you must file the inventory within three months of your appointment.

Review Existing Records
Start with the decedent’s mail, tax returns, previous bank and brokerage statements, insurance policies, and safe deposit box logs. These records often reveal hidden accounts, dividends, or policy payouts.

Contact Financial Institutions
Present your letters testamentary and a certified copy of the death certificate to banks, credit unions and brokerage firms. North Carolina courts recognize letters testamentary as proof of your authority. Most institutions will release account histories and statements when you show proper documentation.

Search Public Records
Real estate deeds, vehicle registrations and business filings can uncover property, cars, boats or corporate interests not yet reported. Use the county register of deeds office and the Secretary of State’s online business search.

Check Digital and Online Accounts
Email accounts, online payment platforms and electronic wallets can store digital assets or evidence of financial activity. Look for subscription renewals, digital currency balances and online sales proceeds.

Use Subpoenas or Court Orders
If an institution refuses to respond, you can ask the clerk of superior court to issue a subpoena under Rule 45 of the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure. A court order can compel third parties to produce relevant documents.

If you discover additional assets after filing your original inventory, you must update and file a supplemental inventory under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-13-2. Appraise the newly found assets and deliver a copy of the amended inventory to interested parties.

Key Steps to Locate Additional Estate Assets

• Gather mail, tax returns and prior financial statements.
• Present letters testamentary and death certificate to banks and brokerages.
• Search the register of deeds for real estate and lien filings.
• Use the Secretary of State’s online search for business interests.
• Investigate safe deposit boxes with court permission.
• Check digital accounts for e-commerce and cryptocurrency holdings.
• Issue subpoenas under Rule 45 if third parties withhold information.
• Search unclaimed property databases at the State Treasurer’s office.

Locating and reporting all estate assets ensures fair and legal distribution to heirs and creditors. If you need guidance with probate administration in North Carolina, our attorneys at Pierce Law Group can help. Contact us by emailing intake@piercelaw.com or calling (919) 341-7055.