How Should I Determine Where to Open Probate for an Estate with Assets in Multiple States?

Detailed Answer

When a person dies owning assets in more than one state, you must sort out both a primary probate and possible ancillary probates. North Carolina law directs you to open probate in the decedent’s domicile, then handle out‐of‐state property through ancillary proceedings. Follow these steps:

1. Identify the Decedent’s Domicile

Domicile means the last permanent home where the person intended to remain until death. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-2-2, an individual can have only one domicile at a time. Ask:

• Where did the person live and vote?
• Where did they hold a driver’s license and pay taxes?
• Which state did they consider home?

2. Open Domiciliary Probate in North Carolina

Once you confirm the decedent’s North Carolina domicile, file for probate in the clerk’s office of the county where they lived. This probate handles all assets located in North Carolina, including real property, bank accounts, and personal items. The court issues letters testamentary or letters of administration to the personal representative.

3. Determine the Location of Out-of-State Assets

Gather a complete inventory of assets. Common out-of-state properties include:

• Real estate in another state
• Bank or brokerage accounts outside North Carolina
• Vehicles or tangible property titled in a different jurisdiction

4. Open Ancillary Probate Where Required

Ancillary probate addresses out-of-state property not governed by the primary North Carolina estate. Follow these rules:

• If the decedent held real property in another state, open a limited probate there to transfer title or sell the property.
• If another state requires probate for personal property above a certain value, file there under its laws.
• Use your North Carolina letters to qualify as ancillary administrator in the other state. North Carolina law on foreign personal property, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-6-2, lets you distribute those assets back into the domiciliary estate.

5. Coordinate Filings and Distributions

Work with counsel or a court clerk in each jurisdiction. Maintain clear records of each filing and court order. Once ancillary assets pass back to North Carolina, include them in your final accounting under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-6-3.

Key Points to Remember

• Always start probate in the decedent’s domiciliary state (North Carolina).
• Ancillary probate only applies to out-of-state assets.
• Real property in another state almost always requires ancillary proceedings there.
• Personal property may trigger ancillary probate if a state’s threshold applies.
• Use North Carolina letters to qualify as ancillary administrator elsewhere.
• Keep detailed inventory and court filings for each jurisdiction.

Next Steps and Call to Action

Handling a multi-state estate involves coordination, research, and careful filings. Pierce Law Group’s probate attorneys have guided families through these complex matters for years. Reach out today to ensure you open the right probate proceedings and protect the estate’s value. Email intake@piercelaw.com or call (919) 341-7055 to schedule a consultation.