How do I provide my mailing address and other contact information for the intake paperwork? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, a law firm typically needs a reliable mailing address, phone number, and email to send intake paperwork and keep a personal injury or wrongful death matter moving. The safest approach is to provide one primary mailing address (where mail can be received consistently) plus at least one backup contact method. If there are safety or privacy concerns, it is often possible to use a substitute mailing address or other arrangements, but that should be discussed with the firm before paperwork is sent.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina wrongful death and personal injury matters, can a client provide a mailing address and other contact information so the law firm can send intake paperwork and follow up for missing details? The practical decision point is which contact information should be treated as the primary “official” way to send and receive time-sensitive documents during the case.

Apply the Law

North Carolina cases move through deadlines, written notices, and document exchanges. Intake paperwork is usually the first set of documents that allows a law firm to confirm basic facts, identify all involved parties, request records, and communicate with insurers and other parties. While North Carolina law does not require a specific “intake address” format for every case, accurate contact information matters because it affects notice, follow-up, and the ability to act on time. If a safety issue exists, North Carolina also has an Address Confidentiality Program that can provide a substitute address for eligible participants.

Key Requirements

One reliable mailing address: A place where mail can be received consistently (and checked), so intake packets, signature pages, and notices do not get missed.
At least one fast contact method: A working phone number and/or email so the firm can quickly confirm details, correct errors, and request missing information.
Prompt updates if anything changes: If the address, phone, or email changes, the firm should be told right away so documents and time-sensitive requests go to the right place.

What the Statutes Say

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15C-3 (Address Confidentiality Program) – Creates a program that can provide a substitute address for eligible relocated victims, which can help protect a home address from disclosure through public records.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15C-9 (Disclosure of address prohibited) – Limits disclosure of a program participant’s actual address and sets rules for when disclosure can occur.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Here, two individuals signed engagement agreements and the firm is requesting basic accident details and a mailing address to send intake paperwork. That request fits the normal intake process: the firm needs a dependable mailing address to send documents that may require signatures and a way to reach the signers quickly if information is missing. If either signer expects to move soon or cannot reliably receive mail at a home address, using a stable alternative mailing address (and giving a backup phone/email) helps avoid delays.

Process & Timing

Who provides: Each person who signed the engagement agreement. Where: Directly to the law firm’s intake channel (often by secure intake link, email, or phone). What: Full legal name, mailing address (including apartment/unit), preferred phone number, email address, and the best times to reach the signer. When: As soon as possible after the engagement agreement is signed so the firm can send the intake packet without delay.
Confirmation step: The firm typically confirms the address and contact details, then sends the intake paperwork (often with instructions for signing and returning). Timeframes can vary depending on how the firm sends documents and how quickly responses come back.
Follow-up step: If the intake packet is incomplete or a signature is missing, the firm contacts the signer using the provided phone/email and may resend documents to the confirmed mailing address.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

Safety or privacy concerns: If disclosing a home address creates a safety risk, it may be possible to use a substitute address (including through North Carolina’s Address Confidentiality Program for eligible participants) or another stable mailing option, but the firm should be told before anything is mailed.
Using an address that cannot receive mail: A temporary location, an address with frequent moves, or a place where mail is not checked can cause missed paperwork and delays.
Not updating changes: Changing phone numbers or emails without notifying the firm can lead to missed requests for information, missed signature corrections, and avoidable slowdowns.

Conclusion

To get intake paperwork sent and completed in North Carolina, the law firm generally needs one reliable mailing address plus working phone and email contact information for each signer on the engagement agreement. The key is consistency: the address should be a place where mail can be received and checked, and contact details should be current. The most important next step is to provide (or confirm) the primary mailing address and best phone/email with the firm promptly after signing so the intake packet can be sent without delay.

Talk to a Wrongful Death Attorney

If a firm is requesting a mailing address and contact details to send intake paperwork after an accident, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help explain what information is needed and how to provide it safely and efficiently. 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.