Estate Administration Lawyers in Southern Pines

When someone passes away, the decedent’s Estate (i.e. the Estates of the decedent) typically goes through the court-supervised “probate” process. The North Carolina probate process requires the Court to make sure that the correct beneficiaries receive the assets of the deceased (i.e. in accordance with the decedent’s Will) and that all creditors are paid (as well as Court costs and legal fees). Probate is avoided by a properly created and funded Revocable Trust, but trusts are not always appropriate for everyone. How long the probate process will take for any given Estate varies depending on the nature and complexity of that Estate.

What We Offer: Southern Pines Probate Attorney Serving the Sandhills

Based in Southern Pines, Carolina Tax, Trusts & Estates offers North Carolina probate estate administration throughout the Sandhills, including Moore County and Lee County. We work with Executors/Administrators located nearby as well as out of state; we handle local matters to the full extent possible to avoid unnecessary travel for those located outside the Sandhills. Rest assured that our fees are generally paid with Estate resources, not by individual Executors or family members.

North Carolina Probate Process

While every Estate is unique, the probate process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Finding the Will and filing it with the probate court (along with the Death Certificate of the decedent) in the county or residence of the decedent.
  2. The appointment of an Executor (if there is a Will) or Administrator (if there is not a Will) for the estate.
  3. Inventory of the Estate’s assets to be filed within the Court within 90 days.
  4. Notice to Creditors published in a local paper, and then the payment of these creditors.
  5. Payment of Estate Taxes (on rare occasions).
  6. The final IRS 1040 of the deceased.
  7. The IRS 1041 for the Estate.
  8. Final distribution of assets to heirs.

Contact Us For a Probate/Estate Administration Consultation in Southern Pines

Probate can be a difficult and time-consuming process that often occurs at the least convenient time for a surviving loved one. As such, it is not uncommon and highly recommended that an attorney be hired to handle the process in both a professional and dignified manner. We encourage you to contact us for a consultation about how Carolina Tax, Trusts & Estates can assist you with a North Carolina probate matter.