Detailed Answer
When you speak with a North Carolina probate attorney for the first time, having the right information ready helps us evaluate your situation quickly and accurately. Probate begins when someone dies owning assets in their name alone. In North Carolina, the court oversees distributing those assets under N.C. Gen. Stat. §28A-2-2. Preparing documents in advance speeds up the process and lowers your legal costs.
Start by gathering basic details about the person who died (the decedent). We need their full legal name, date of birth, date of death and Social Security number. If they left a will or trust, locate the original document along with any codicils or amendments. These papers tell us who the heirs and beneficiaries should be.
Next, collect information on assets and debts. For real estate, bring deeds, mortgage statements and property tax bills. For bank, brokerage or retirement accounts, get recent statements that list account numbers and balances. Gather life insurance policies, annuities or safe-deposit box agreements. List any debts such as credit cards, personal loans or medical bills.
Decedent tax returns from the last three years give an income snapshot and may flag unreported assets. Powers of attorney or health care directives may reveal financial or personal representatives. If the estate is small—valued at $20,000 or less—you may qualify for summary administration under N.C. Gen. Stat. §28A-19-2. Knowing the estate’s value helps us choose the right procedure.
Finally, prepare a list of all potential heirs or beneficiaries. Include each person’s name, date of birth, relationship to the decedent and current address. If the estate owns a business, digital assets or out-of-state property, note those details separately.
Document Checklist
- Decedent’s full name, date of birth, date of death and Social Security number
- Original last will and any codicils or trust documents
- List of heirs and beneficiaries with names, birthdates, relationships and addresses
- Real estate deeds, mortgage statements and tax bills
- Bank, brokerage and retirement account statements
- Life insurance policies and beneficiary designations
- Credit card, loan statements and medical bills
- Decedent’s federal and state tax returns (last three years)
- Powers of attorney and advance health care directives
- Information on business interests or out-of-state property
- Digital asset access details (usernames, passwords, account links)
Preparing these documents before your initial call saves you time and allows your attorney to give clear guidance tailored to your estate’s needs. With the right information, you move probate forward efficiently and cost-effectively.
Get Started with Pierce Law Group
Probate can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Pierce Law Group’s attorneys handle North Carolina probate matters every day. Contact us with your questions or to set up an appointment. Email us at intake@piercelaw.com or call (919) 341-7055 today.
