Short Answer

In North Carolina, most guardianship case files are open to inspection at the Clerk of Superior Court, but some medical and psychological reports may be confidential. As a family member with a legitimate interest, you can review the file, request copies of inventories and annual accounts, and ask the Clerk to order a guardian to file overdue reports or to set a review hearing. You do this by filing a motion in the guardianship case.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know: in North Carolina, can a family member get information about a long-running guardianship, including details about an asset, when the attorney has not provided recent updates? The decision point is whether and how you, as an interested family member, can access the guardianship file and prompt action at the Clerk of Superior Court.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, the Clerk of Superior Court oversees guardianships. Guardians of the estate must inventory assets and file periodic accountings; guardians of the person report on the ward’s well-being. Interested family members may inspect most filings, request copies, and file motions asking the Clerk to compel missing reports, set status hearings, or consider other relief. Medical and similar evaluations may be restricted from general viewing.

Key Requirements

• Interested person status: You must show a legitimate connection (e.g., next of kin or other stake) to access the file and seek relief.
• Public file access with limits: Guardianship files at the Clerk’s office are generally open; sensitive medical/psychological materials may be sealed or available only by court permission.
• Guardian reporting duties: The guardian of the estate typically files an initial inventory within a few months of qualifying and annual accountings thereafter; the Clerk audits these filings.
• Motion practice: If reports are missing or an asset needs clarification, you may file a motion in the guardianship case for inspection, copies, an order to compel, or a review hearing.
• Notice and hearing: The Clerk sets hearings in the guardianship file and may issue orders, require compliance within set timeframes, or consider changes in the guardianship when warranted.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-103 (Powers of the clerk of superior court) – Clerk may issue orders, enforce compliance, and conduct hearings.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-109 (Clerk’s records; public inspection) – Court records are available for public inspection unless law or court order restricts access.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1A-1, Rule 17 (Guardian ad litem) – Court may appoint a GAL to protect the interests of an incompetent person as needed.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because the case has been pending for years and you need clarity on an asset, you qualify as an interested family member to review the guardianship file at the Clerk’s office and request copies of the inventory and any annual accountings. If those reports are missing or unclear, you can file a motion asking the Clerk to compel the guardian to file or to explain the treatment of the asset. Lack of attorney updates does not limit the Clerk’s authority to audit accounts and order compliance.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: An interested family member. Where: Clerk of Superior Court (Estates/Guardianship), in the North Carolina county where the guardianship is pending. What: A written Motion in the Cause referencing the guardianship file number, requesting file access/copies and, if needed, an order to compel overdue inventory/accountings or a status review; include a proposed Notice of Hearing. When: Anytime; inventories are typically due within a few months of qualification and accountings annually thereafter.
2. The Clerk reviews your motion, issues a notice, and sets a hearing date. Expect several weeks lead time, with timing varying by county. Serve the guardian and any required parties with your motion and the hearing notice.
3. After the hearing, the Clerk may enter an order allowing inspection/copies, directing the guardian to file specific reports by a set date, or scheduling follow-up review. You can then obtain filed inventories/accountings from the Clerk.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Some medical and psychological evaluations may be confidential or available only by court permission; expect redactions or limits on copying.
• If you cannot show a legitimate interest, the Clerk may limit your access or require a hearing to determine standing.
• Serve your motion and hearing notice correctly; defective service can delay relief.
• County practices vary on scheduling, mediation, and form usage; follow the Clerk’s local instructions and use current AOC guardianship forms from the NC Judicial Branch website.

Talk to a Guardianship Attorney

If you’re dealing with a long-running guardianship and need information about case filings or a specific asset, 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.