Short Answer

North Carolina does not offer a statewide system to pay estate opening fees online; payment methods vary by county. Many Clerk of Superior Court estates divisions accept in-person credit/debit cards (often with a convenience fee), cash, money orders, or certified checks. There is no general “deposit” to open an estate, but a one-time qualification fee is required under state law and is commonly collected at or before the inventory is filed. A bond may also be required, which is not a fee and is not typically payable online.

Understanding the Problem

You want to open an intestate estate in North Carolina and need to know if you can pay the initial court fees online with a credit card, and whether any deposit is due at filing. As the proposed administrator, your immediate concern is the upfront costs the Clerk of Superior Court will collect when you apply for Letters of Administration.

Apply the Law

In North Carolina, the Clerk of Superior Court (Estates Division) oversees opening estates and collects court costs set by statute. The core fee is a one-time qualification fee for appointing a personal representative. By practice, clerks often collect that fee after you qualify and frequently when the 90-day inventory is filed, though it can be collected earlier. Payment options are set locally; there is no uniform statewide online payment for opening an estate. A bond may be required as a condition of appointment; that is security, not a court fee.

Key Requirements

• Filing and qualification: Apply for Letters of Administration with the Clerk of Superior Court in the decedent’s county of domicile; a one-time qualification fee applies.
• When fees are collected: Except for limited cases, the clerk may collect the qualification fee at filing, at qualification, or commonly when the 90-day inventory is filed.
• Payment methods: No statewide online payment for estates; counties may allow in-person credit/debit (with a convenience fee), cash, money orders, or certified checks.
• Bond: The clerk may require a bond before issuing letters; this is security for the estate, not a fee, and is usually posted through a surety or as a cash bond.
• Additional costs: Separate fees may apply to later estate proceedings or certified copies; publication charges are typically paid directly to the newspaper.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 7A-307 (Court costs and fees in estates) – Sets the required costs in estate matters, including the qualification fee.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-6-1 (Application for letters) – Lists what must be included when applying to serve, including basic asset information.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-8-1 (Bond required) – Authorizes the clerk to require a bond as a condition of issuing letters.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-20-1 (Inventory due within three months) – Requires the personal representative to file an inventory within three months after qualification.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because you seek appointment as administrator in an intestate estate, you will owe a one-time qualification fee under North Carolina law. Many clerks collect that fee when you file the 90-day inventory, though some collect it at filing or qualification. There is no standard statewide online payment for opening estates; check your county’s Estates Division for accepted payment methods. If the clerk requires a bond, expect to arrange a surety bond or cash bond before letters are issued.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: The proposed administrator. Where: Clerk of Superior Court, Estates Division, in the North Carolina county where the decedent was domiciled. What: AOC-E-202 (Application for Letters of Administration) and supporting documents. When: File as soon as you are ready to qualify; the inventory is due within 90 days after you qualify.
2. At qualification, the clerk may require bond and will issue Letters of Administration once requirements are satisfied. Many clerks collect the qualification fee at or by the time you file the 90-day inventory.
3. Continue administration (notice to creditors, estate account, claims, taxes). At closing, ensure all court costs are paid; the clerk will approve the final accounting and discharge you.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Local payment rules vary. Some counties accept in-person credit/debit with a convenience fee; others require cash, money order, or certified check. Call your county’s Estates Division before you go.
• Cause-of-action–only estates (for example, wrongful death only) must pay the qualification fee at qualification.
• Bond is not a fee and is usually not payable online; secure the surety or cash bond early to avoid delays in getting letters.
• Each later petition (for example, removal, elective share, or other estate proceeding) may carry its own filing fee—budget for those separately.
• eCourts/Odyssey eFiling and online payments are not uniformly available for estates; do not assume you can pay opening fees online.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If you’re dealing with opening an estate and need clarity on fees, payment options, and bond requirements, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. 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.