Do I have to open an estate to get an insurance payment? | NC

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Q: Do I have to open an estate to receive an insurance payment that is payable after a relative's death? A: Usually, no — not a full estate. If the insurance company says the payment is payable to the estate, you may be able to use a small estate affidavit instead of full probate. That usually works if at least thirty days have passed since death, no personal representative has already been…