Short Answer

In North Carolina, most estate filings—including the probated will, Letters, the 90‑day inventory, and annual or final accounts—are public records at the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the estate is opened. You can visit the Clerk’s office to inspect the file and request copies. If the inventory or accounts have not been filed on time, an interested heir or beneficiary may ask the Clerk to order the personal representative to file them, and the Clerk can enforce that order.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know how, in North Carolina probate, you can see what’s been filed in the estate—especially the inventory and any appraisals. The focus is access and follow‑up if the executors are not communicating. Here, one executor has “delegated” authority to a spouse, and the non‑executing siblings have received no updates. The question is: how do you, as a beneficiary in North Carolina, view the estate file and make sure required filings are made?

Apply the Law

North Carolina law requires a personal representative to file an inventory within three months of qualification and to file annual or final accounts until the estate is closed. The Clerk of Superior Court keeps the estate file, which is generally open to public inspection. If filings are late or incomplete, any interested person (including an heir or beneficiary) can ask the Clerk to issue an order compelling a full and satisfactory accounting within a short, fixed time. Appraisers may be used to establish fair market values as of the date of death, and their names should be identified with the inventory entries they appraise.

Key Requirements

• Public file access: Estate files are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court; you can inspect the will, Letters, inventories, accounts, and many supporting papers, and request copies.
• 90‑day inventory: The personal representative must file an inventory within three months of qualifying; it lists estate assets and may note appraisers used and values as of the date of death (sometimes marked “undetermined” pending appraisal).
• Accounts due: Annual accounts are due each year until a final account is approved; the final account typically comes about a year after qualification unless extended.
• Compel compliance: If an inventory or account is not filed, the Clerk can issue notices and orders; an interested person may request an order requiring a full and satisfactory account within 20 days.
• Who can act: Only those issued Letters by the Clerk may act for the estate; a spouse of an executor has no independent authority to sign estate documents.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-20-1 (Inventory due in three months) – Requires the personal representative to file an inventory with the Clerk within three months after qualification.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-21-1 (Annual accounts) – Requires annual accounts while estate assets remain under administration.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-21-4 (Order to compel accounting) – Allows the Clerk, a creditor, or an interested party to require a full and satisfactory account within 20 days.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-2-6 (Estate proceeding procedures) – Establishes how estate proceedings are handled and confirms the Clerk can apply discovery tools (including subpoenas) when appropriate.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: As beneficiaries, you can go to the Clerk of Superior Court where the estate was opened and inspect the file for the 90‑day inventory and any appraisals or supporting documents. If the inventory is missing or overdue, you can ask the Clerk to issue the standard sequence of notices and an order compelling the filing; if an account is overdue, you can move for a 20‑day order to account. The spouse of a co‑executor cannot act for the estate; if pressure from a spouse is preventing signatures or filings, you may ask the Clerk for direction and, in serious cases, relief against the personal representative.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Any heir or beneficiary as an interested person. Where: Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the estate is open. What: Start by requesting to inspect the estate file and obtain copies of the Inventory for Decedent’s Estate (AOC‑E‑505) and any Annual/Final Accounts (AOC‑E‑506). If filings are missing, file a verified petition in the estate file asking the Clerk to compel the overdue inventory/account and issue an Estate Proceeding Summons. When: The inventory is due within three months of qualification; annual accounts are due about one year after qualification (and annually thereafter) until the final account is approved.
2. The Clerk may issue a Notice to File and then an Order to File. For overdue accounts, the Clerk may order a “full and satisfactory account” within 20 days. If facts are disputed, the Clerk sets a hearing; subpoenas for records may issue under the estate‑proceeding rules. Timeframes can vary by county.
3. Final step and outcome: The Clerk enters orders compelling the filing, and the personal representative submits the required inventory, appraisals (or valuations), and accounts for audit and approval. If noncompliance persists, the Clerk may consider further remedies available by statute.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Some items may be redacted or confidential (for example, protected identifiers). A will deposited for safekeeping is not public until probated.
• Beneficiaries are not guaranteed notice of a proposed final account; notice is permitted but not required, so do not wait to check the file.
• Only those issued Letters may act; a spouse or friend of an executor cannot sign estate documents or direct the estate.
• Service and procedure matter: estate petitions generally require an Estate Proceeding Summons and service consistent with Rule 4; missing service can delay relief.
• County practices and e‑filing/online access vary; if you do not see a filing online, check with the Clerk’s public counter.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If you’re dealing with missing inventories or accounts and need to see what’s in the estate file, 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.