Feb192026
Probate Q&A Series

What can I do if a beneficiary says they won’t divide trust assets and is trying to drag the trust administration out for years? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, a beneficiary generally cannot “hold the trust hostage” just by refusing to cooperate. If the person delaying things is acting as trustee (or effectively controlling trust property or accounts), the usual options are to demand information and an accounting, and then ask the Clerk of Superior Court to order the trustee to do the job, stop improper conduct, or remove and replace the trustee. If trust money or property is being used for personal benefit (such as living in trust property or paying personal bills), the court can also order corrective relief.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina trust administration, the key question is usually: can a qualified beneficiary force progress when another beneficiary is refusing to cooperate and the trust is not being wrapped up? The problem often shows up when one person has practical control over trust assets—such as living in trust-owned real estate or having access to a trust checking account—and delays distribution to other beneficiaries. The decision point is whether the delaying person is a trustee (or is acting with trustee-like control) so the Clerk of Superior Court can issue orders that move the administration forward.

Apply the Law

North Carolina’s trust code gives courts tools to address delay and misuse during trust administration. When a trustee violates duties under the trust or under North Carolina law, a beneficiary can bring a “breach of trust” proceeding and ask for court orders that compel performance, require an accounting, stop improper acts, appoint a temporary fiduciary, or remove the trustee. Many trust proceedings start before the Clerk of Superior Court, but some forms of relief (especially money damages) may require Superior Court depending on what is being requested.

Key Requirements

  • Standing (qualified beneficiary status): The person seeking court help must typically be a beneficiary with current rights to information and distributions under the trust terms.
  • Trustee duty issue (delay, non-distribution, or misuse): The complaint must tie the delay to a trustee’s failure to administer and distribute the trust as required, or to improper control/use of trust assets.
  • Requested remedy that fits the forum: The requested court order must match what the Clerk of Superior Court (or Superior Court) can grant—such as compelling action, requiring an accounting, restricting access to accounts, appointing a special fiduciary, or removing a trustee.

What the Statutes Say

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: The facts describe a co-beneficiary living in trust property and having online access to a trust checking account while paying bills from that account. If that person is the trustee (or is acting under the trustee’s permission), the situation raises two practical issues that courts address: (1) delay in administration/distribution, and (2) potential misuse of trust assets for personal benefit. A beneficiary can use a breach-of-trust proceeding to ask the court to require an accounting, restrict access to the account, set deadlines for administration steps, and—if warranted—remove and replace the trustee so the trust can be administered and distributed according to the trust terms.

Process & Timing

  1. Who files: A qualified beneficiary (sometimes with other beneficiaries joining). Where: Typically the Clerk of Superior Court in the North Carolina county connected to the trust administration (often where the trustee is administering the trust or where trust property is located). What: A trust proceeding/petition requesting relief such as an accounting, instructions to the trustee, restrictions on trust account access, appointment of a special fiduciary, and/or trustee removal. When: As soon as there is a clear refusal to administer or a pattern of delay or questionable use of trust funds.
  2. Early court relief (to stop ongoing harm): If trust funds are being spent or trust property is being used in a way that appears one-sided, the filing can request immediate orders to preserve assets (for example, limiting withdrawals, requiring dual signatures, or requiring documentation for expenses) while the case is pending.
  3. Final step: The court can enter an order compelling specific administration tasks (inventory/accounting, sale or management of property, proposed distribution plan), and if necessary remove the trustee and appoint a successor or special fiduciary to complete administration and make distributions.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

  • The trust terms may allow delay or discretionary timing: Some trusts give the trustee discretion about when to sell property or when to distribute. Even then, the trustee must still act in good faith and administer the trust, and the court can step in if discretion is being abused.
  • “Beneficiary” vs. “trustee” roles get blurred: A beneficiary living in trust property is not automatically doing something illegal. The key questions are whether the trust authorizes that use, whether rent/expenses are handled fairly, and whether the trustee is documenting decisions and treating beneficiaries impartially.
  • Forum limits: Some trust matters can be handled by the Clerk of Superior Court (including removal-related relief), but claims seeking certain kinds of monetary damages may need to be pursued in Superior Court. Strategy sometimes involves filing in the appropriate forum(s) to get complete relief.
  • Accounting and records problems: Online access to a trust checking account and bill-paying activity should be traceable. A common mistake is waiting too long to request bank statements, receipts, and a formal accounting, which can make it harder to prove what happened.

For more background on court options in trustee disputes, see replace the trustee and get a trustee removed.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, a beneficiary’s refusal to cooperate does not, by itself, allow trust administration to be delayed for years. When the delay is tied to trustee control of trust property or trust accounts, a qualified beneficiary can ask the Clerk of Superior Court for orders that compel administration, require an accounting, restrict improper use of trust assets, and—if needed—remove and replace the trustee. The practical next step is to file a trust petition with the Clerk of Superior Court promptly to preserve assets and set enforceable deadlines.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If a trust administration is being delayed and trust property or a trust bank account is being controlled in a way that seems one-sided, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help explain options, the right forum, and the timelines to push the matter forward. Call us today at [919-341-7055].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.

Category: Probate Q&A Series

Author: Pierce Law

Pierce Law Group is a North Carolina law firm focused on probate administration, real estate partition matters, and surplus funds claims across North Carolina. We know these situations often come with stress, family dynamics, and time-sensitive decisions—so we prioritize clear communication, steady guidance, and a practical plan from day one. Our goal is to make a complicated process feel manageable, while protecting what matters most to you.