How to Obtain Certified Copies of a Probated Will and Death Certificate in North Carolina

Detailed Answer

When someone dies, you often need certified copies of both the probated will and the death certificate for banking, estate administration, or legal matters. In North Carolina, each document comes from a different office and follows its own rules.

1. Obtaining a Certified Copy of a Probated Will

After the clerk of superior court admits a will to probate, that office keeps the official file. To get a certified copy:

1. Locate the Clerk of Superior Court. Find the office in the county where the will was probated. You need the decedent’s full name and the approximate probate date.
2. Complete the request form. Many clerks offer an online form. You can also submit a written request. Provide the decedent’s name, date of death, estate file number (if known), and your contact information.
3. Pay the fee. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. §8-407 (ncleg.gov/GS_8-407), the charge is $8.00 per document. Confirm current fees with the clerk’s office.
4. Submit your request. You can mail, fax, or hand-deliver your form and payment. Some offices allow online payment and ordering.
5. Receive certified copies. The clerk stamps each copy “Certified Copy” with the official seal. Processing times vary by county but typically take 1–3 business days.

2. Obtaining a Certified Death Certificate

North Carolina issues death certificates through the Vital Records office, part of the Division of Public Health. Follow these steps:

1. Confirm your eligibility. North Carolina limits certified death certificates to immediate family, legal representatives, or parties with a direct interest. See N.C. Gen. Stat. §130A-99 (ncleg.gov/GS_130A-99) for details.
2. Choose an ordering method:
   • Online: Order at the NC Vital Records website.
   • Mail: Download the application, attach a copy of your ID, proof of eligibility, and a check or money order.
   • In person: Visit the Vital Records office in Raleigh or your county health department.
3. Pay the fee. The standard fee is $24 per copy. Additional fees may apply for expedited service or mailing.
4. Receive the certificate. Online and in-person requests often arrive within days. Mail requests can take 2–3 weeks.

Key Takeaways

• Get probated will copies from the Clerk of Superior Court where the estate was opened.
• Certified death certificates come from NC Vital Records under N.C. Gen. Stat. §130A-99.
• Prepare the decedent’s full name, date of death, and proof of eligibility.
• Include payment and allow extra time for mail orders.
• Use certified copies for financial transactions, title transfers, and legal filings.

Contact Us

If you need help obtaining certified copies or managing probate steps, our experienced attorneys at Pierce Law Group can guide you. Contact us today by email at intake@piercelaw.com or call (919) 341-7055.