Short Answer

Under North Carolina law, if a will devised the home to a revocable trust, the executor should keep only what is needed to pay valid estate debts, costs, taxes, approved attorney’s fees, and commissions. Any excess sale proceeds should be distributed to the trustee and transferred from the estate account to the trust account, documented in the estate accounting and, if applicable, any existing court sale proceeding. If fees or amounts are disputed, the Clerk of Superior Court can review and decide before closing.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina probate, can you, serving as executor and trustee, move home sale proceeds now sitting in the estate account into the revocable trust that the will named to receive the real property? One key fact: the will specifically transferred the real property to your revocable trust.

Apply the Law

In North Carolina, title to a decedent’s non-survivorship real property vests in the devisee upon probate of the will. The executor may take possession and sell real property when needed for administration (for example, to pay debts), either under a power in the will or by obtaining an order through a special proceeding. When real property is sold to create funds to pay claims, the executor should deposit only the amount necessary for administration; any excess retains the character of a devise and is distributed to the devisee—in this scenario, the trustee of the revocable trust. The Clerk of Superior Court oversees estate accounts, commissions, and estate-paid attorney’s fees and can compel or review accountings.

Key Requirements

• Confirm the devise: The will devised the home to the revocable trust; the trustee is the proper recipient of any excess sale proceeds.
• Verify authority and purpose of sale: Determine if the sale was to pay debts (court-authorized or under a power of sale) or strictly to implement distribution.
• Calculate the estate’s needs: Reserve only what is needed for valid claims, taxes, costs, approved attorney’s fees, and allowed commissions; the balance is distributable to the trustee.
• Document and transfer: Make a distribution from the estate to the trustee, transfer funds to the trust account, and obtain a trustee receipt; reflect it in the estate’s accounting.
• Complete filings and deeds: If a special proceeding authorized the sale, seek an order or file a report confirming distribution of any excess to the trustee; record any necessary instruments to complete the chain of title for closing the estate.
• Resolve fee/commission disputes: Ask the Clerk to review reasonableness of attorney’s fees and commissions before final distribution and closing.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-15-2 (Title to real property) – Real property vests in devisees upon probate; title relates back to death.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-13-3 (Executor powers over real property) – Executor may take possession/control or seek an order; authority to manage for administration.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-17-1 (Sale to create assets) – Special proceeding to sell real property to obtain money to pay debts/claims.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-23-3 (Commissions and expenses) – Clerk reviews commissions; only amounts applied to debts/legacies may be commissionable when selling to pay claims.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because the will devised the real property to your revocable trust, any proceeds remaining after paying valid estate expenses should be distributed to you as trustee. If the sale was to raise money for debts, keep only the amount needed for claims, taxes, approved attorney’s fees, and commissions, and distribute the rest to the trust. If fees are disputed, pause distribution of the contested portion and ask the Clerk to rule before transferring the balance.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Executor. Where: Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the estate is administered. What: Prepare a verified partial or final account showing (a) sale proceeds received, (b) amounts reserved for claims, taxes, approved attorney’s fees, and commissions, and (c) distribution to the trustee with a trustee receipt. If needed, file a petition in any existing sale special proceeding for an order directing distribution of excess proceeds to the trustee. When: Do this before final distribution/closing; if the Clerk orders an accounting, deadlines can be short.
2. Obtain the Clerk’s review of attorney’s fees and commissions, resolve objections, and, if approved, transfer the distributable balance from the estate account to the trust account. If a sale proceeding is open, file any required report/confirmation reflecting distribution.
3. Complete remaining deeds or title filings, then file the final account for approval. Upon approval, the Clerk will close the estate.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• If unpaid claims remain or taxes are unresolved, do not distribute all proceeds to the trust; reserve enough to satisfy administration expenses.
• When a sale was to pay debts under court authority, ensure the excess proceeds are distributed to the trustee in that proceeding or documented clearly in the estate accounting.
• Commissions differ: if selling strictly to pay claims, commissions apply only to amounts used for debts/legacies; if the will directs sale and distribution of money, a different commission treatment may apply—ask the Clerk to review.
• Document everything: trustee receipt, ledger entries, and clear descriptions in the account; avoid commingling by transferring to the trust account promptly after approval.
• Fee disputes slow closing: request the Clerk’s determination on reasonableness of estate-paid attorney’s fees before final distribution.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If you’re dealing with stuck home sale proceeds and need to move funds from an estate account to a revocable trust, 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.