Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Probate legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
North Carolina Probate Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: My dad died and he has 4 children but he made a will.with only 2 of us in it.will each of us get a equal.share
T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 10, 2023

In your case, since your father had a will, the court will first look at the will to determine how the estate is to be divided. If the will does not specifically state how the estate is to be divided, then the court will use the intestate succession laws to divide the estate.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: Unmarried couple both with adult children couples from previous marriages. Who gets home if we die simultaneously.

I purchased a home in NC with cash and had it titled JTROS with long term partner. At the time (about 6 years ago), it didn't seem like a QTIP was an option since we were not married. I have 2 adult children and she has one adult child from our prior marriages.

My estate package... View More

Ben Corcoran
Ben Corcoran
answered on Nov 9, 2023

In the event that you die within 120 hours of your partner. Both of you are deemed to have survived the other and your respective interest in the property would pass to your respective beneficiaries. There are exceptions to this rule but that is the basic premise.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: Father in law passed away and my wife and I are listed as Joint tenants with full right of survivorship.

My wife’s brother is the executor of the will. We are selling the house that I am making the mortgage payments on. The mortgage is in my father in laws name and the executor is demanding that all proceeds go into the deceased estate and he is entitled to 1/3 after he settles the estate using the... View More

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 22, 2023

You will need to post this under Florida real estate law.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for North Carolina on
Q: In probate how do kids sign off their part of house to mother? In husbands name only in SC.
Ben Corcoran
Ben Corcoran
answered on Aug 1, 2023

You should ask this in the SC section of these boards. You will get NC attorneys primarily here.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: My husband passed away with a lot of credit card debt and medical debt. Am I responsible to pay off that debt?

I was not on any of the credit accounts, nor did I sign anything for the medical procedures. There is no estate. House was in both our names.

Ben Corcoran
Ben Corcoran
answered on Jul 26, 2023

I highly advise you to hire an attorney and have them assist you in probating the estate. The credit card debt can likely be wiped out by opening the estate. The medical debt will unfortunately likely follow you since spouses are normally liable for the medical debts incurred by their spouse.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: How to remove deceased dad's name from deed if I'm the only heir and tenants in common with my dad, without probate

The remaining asset is a life insurance policy $1,000 with no named beneficiary. Funeral expenses were paid for by myself. The death certificate is pending. I don't reside in the state. My grandmother is probably going to file for executor of the estate as she mentioned having to sale land to... View More

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2023

You could hire a NC attorney to search the title and determine heirship. Then draft and record an Affidavit of Heirship as the heirs' source of title. If Probate occurs, the real property is not part of the Estate unless the administrator tries to force a sale of it to pay creditors. That... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: when someone dies what does the estate of mean

who is the representative of the estate. if no one was appointed in a will or POA

Ben Corcoran
Ben Corcoran
answered on Jul 12, 2023

The POA is void upon death, and the will is what controls who the clerk chooses to appoint. It is ultimately up to the clerk, but they almost always follow the will.

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Land Use & Zoning, Landlord - Tenant and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: Can I claim the more left of from foreclosure if the loan was in my husband's name but deed was in mine?

My husband took off in 2018 I paid the mortgage and went to nursing school. I was fine right up.until the pandemic. The mortgage was in his name but the deed in mine. I made the mortgage payments, am I entitled to and of the funds left over from the foreclosure sale? I looked online for some reason... View More

Ben Corcoran
Ben Corcoran
answered on Jun 29, 2023

Based on this fact pattern, you should be the recipient of any excess funds in the foreclosure process. I would advise that you hire an attorney to represent you during this process to ensure that your interests are heard in court.

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: My mother passed in March. She and my sister own a house as joint tenancy. Is my sister now the sole owner?

I have been told thatI need to get an Attorney as administrator of the Estate due to their being 3 other heirs. I just want to know if that is necessary?

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 23, 2023

No such estate as "joint tenancy". Instead it is either joint tenancy with right of survivorship, or it is tenancy in common. And most likely the latter, where Mother's heirs take one half of the title. Hire a NC attorney to search the title, determine ownership, and advise... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Estate Planning and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: How can I find out if I am the beneficiary of any lost wills or inheritance from family members who have passed

I was told that they was once told that my dad or his dad had left me something in will but was never contacted also I believe I may of been beneficiary of inheritance but believe it was kept from me and possibly taken, how can I find out when I have little information to go on..?

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 20, 2023

If your Father died without a Will being Probated and owning land, then you as an heir had some interest. But taxes have to be paid, as well as notes, and if not, the land is lost. Check in your Father's County to see if there was a Probate proceeding, and the property tax records.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: How much are services fees for filing inventory for decedents estate late?
Ben Corcoran
Ben Corcoran
answered on Jun 6, 2023

There are no late fees, the fee is 4 cents for every $10 in assets of the estate. I would generally advise to ask the clerk to tell you how much you owe.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: How to transfer title of house
Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 16, 2023

Hire a NC lawyer to draft a Deed for execution and recordation.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: I had (2) 1/2 siblings that died (mom). Their uncle died (dad) and they were the ONLY next of kin. Am I an heir?

Their uncle was the end of the line for that entire family tree. Our mom and their dad are dead. It's really sad. I was actually contacted by someone executing the estate looking for other relatives. There are probably very distant cousins (like shared a common great-great grandparent), but... View More

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 25, 2023

Determining Heirship can be extremely difficult. Sometimes it is best to attempt to include any suspected heirs as parties, then sue unknown parties to Quiet Title to certain properties via publication notice. Hire a very competent NC attorney to represent you against whoever is trying to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: Do I have to use the surplus funds check from my deceased dad's house to pay any debts?

He passed away in 2021, the house went into foreclosure last year, and then they auctioned it off, and that was the last I heard about it until I was just contacted about there being surplus funds from the sale.

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Apr 14, 2023

Excess funds from the sale belong to his estate. The reason why you were notified that the Clerk is holding excess funds is because there was likely a second mortgage, home equity line of credit, judgment lien, or tax lien (often more than one of these) that remains unpaid. You should contact a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for North Carolina on
Q: My Mom passed,She has a Bank Account without an DOB,How can we get her Money out of the Bank?
N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Apr 3, 2023

You tagged your question for the "Small Claims" forum. However, since the account belonged to someone who has since passed away, an attorney who handles probate law might be able to assist. You should consider contacting an attorney directly.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for North Carolina on
Q: Can my father transfer power of attorney to me my mom passed away 12/18/2022. He is legally married but seperated.

They have been separated since 2002. He resides in Mexico and he wants me to take care of all her finances.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 10, 2023

It sounds to me like you are saying your father has a power of attorney for your mother, and can he transfer that power of attorney for your mom to you.

A power of attorney does not survive the death of the person who signed it. Because your mom passed away 12/18/2022, any power of...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: Another question regarding about my brother passing with a will. So his daughter is entitled to everything not us?

He's daughter 16. So we couldn't get nor even his clothes?

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Feb 1, 2023

Since your brother did not leave a will, his daughter is his only heir. The clothes are of little monetary value, but it is up to the administrator of his estate to decide how to pay any remaining debts of the estate. You should have a quick consultation with a probate lawyer to determine what to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: My brother died and his girlfriend want let us get his belongings. He has a 16 year old daughter. Who is entitled to it?

All he has is clothes tools and golf cart trailer

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Jan 31, 2023

I am sorry for your loss.

The disposition of his assets are covered under North Carolina probate law. Someone will need to at least consult an attorney to see how his assets can be distributed. His girlfriend has no legal relationship to him, and therefore has no legal right at all, to do...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: My Mother's will has 2 deceased children listed. Who is to be listed on the probate form other than the survivors.

I'm the executor and just need to know because she only stated in her will that the sale of home be divided among the children and no one else was listed.

Ben Corcoran
Ben Corcoran
answered on Jan 13, 2023

Normally the interest of your deceased siblings would pass to their children. However, in order to verify that, I would have to review the will and make sure it didn't specify a method for determining the heirs.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for North Carolina on
Q: Can intestate status in North Carolina be challenged in court to exclude some heirs?

The person who died has two living sons. Another son pre-deceased her. That son has two living adult children. Could a court disinherit them?

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 3, 2023

Courts can determine heirs and next of kin. You might hire a NC attorney to determine heirship and record an Affidavit of Heirship to establish their source of title.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.