Understanding Intestate Probate in North Carolina
When a person dies without a valid will, North Carolina law requires you to open an intestate probate estate. You must ask the clerk of superior court to appoint an administrator to manage the estate. The administrator collects assets, pays debts, and distributes property under the intestacy statutes in Chapter 28A of the North Carolina General Statutes.
1. Who May Serve as Administrator?
North Carolina General Statute § 28A-2-1 sets a priority list for personal representatives. The surviving spouse ranks first, then the decedent’s children, parents, siblings, and other heirs. Anyone in a higher priority class may object to someone lower on the list.
2. Filing a Petition for Letters of Administration
You begin by filing a written petition with the clerk in the county where the decedent lived. Under G.S. 28A-2-2, include:
- Certified copy of the death certificate.
- List of the decedent’s known heirs.
- Estimated value of the probate assets.
- Any claim for family or widow’s allowance.
3. Bond and Oath Requirements
The clerk may require the administrator to post a bond under G.S. 28A-7-1. The bond protects the estate against wrongful acts. The administrator also swears an oath to perform duties faithfully.
4. Notice to Interested Parties
After the clerk issues Letters of Administration, you must notify all heirs and creditors. North Carolina law requires you to mail notices to known heirs and publish a notice to creditors in a local newspaper if the estate has debts.
5. Inventory and Appraisal
Within 90 days of appointment, the administrator must file a complete inventory and appraisal of estate assets under G.S. 28A-20-2. This report lists real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property.
6. Paying Debts and Expenses
The administrator uses estate funds to pay funeral costs, final medical bills, taxes, and creditor claims. North Carolina law sets time limits for filing creditor claims—generally within two years of the date of death.
7. Distributing the Estate
Once debts and expenses are settled, the administrator distributes the remaining assets according to the intestate succession rules in G.S. 28A-13-2. If there’s a surviving spouse and no children, the spouse receives the entire estate. If children survive, the estate divides between the spouse and children as the statutes dictate.
8. Closing the Estate
After distribution, the administrator files a final accounting and asks the court to discharge the estate. The clerk reviews the paperwork and issues an order closing the estate.
Key Steps to Handle Intestate Probate and Administrator Appointment
- Review North Carolina’s priority list for administrators (G.S. 28A-2-1).
- Prepare and file a petition for Letters of Administration (G.S. 28A-2-2).
- Arrange for bond and take the required oath (G.S. 28A-7-1).
- Notify heirs and creditors; publish notices when needed.
- File an inventory and appraisal within 90 days (G.S. 28A-20-2).
- Pay valid debts and administrative expenses.
- Distribute assets under the intestacy statutes (G.S. 28A-13-2).
- File a final accounting and close the estate.
Get Help with Intestate Probate in North Carolina
Handling an estate without a will can feel overwhelming. Pierce Law Group’s attorneys guide you through each step. We handle petitions, bond issues, notices, and final distributions. Let us simplify the process so you can focus on what matters most.
Contact Pierce Law Group today. Email intake@piercelaw.com or call us at (919) 341-7055 to schedule a consultation.
