Probate and Real Estate Services
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North Carolina Probate Forms
You will find that there are many different probate forms that may be needed when filing probate. We have listed a few of them, along with a short summary explaining what the form is for. It is always best to consult with a probate attorney to ensure that you have chosen the correct form and have filled it out correctly. If you need a probate realtor to assist you with the sale of property contact us 252-902-9006.
Some Terms to Know
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Decedent - The person who died.
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Estate - all the money and property owned by a particular person, especially at death. Example...real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, stock & bonds, jewelry, art collection, etc.
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Executor - The person named in a will to settle the estate
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Administrator - the person named by the court to settle the estate
Application And Assignment Year's Allowance
An Estate's Allowance of up to $30,000.00 can be allocated to the decedent's spouse without the daunting task of probate administration - all it takes is completing this one form and having it certified at your nearest Clerk of Court.
Renunciation of Rights to Qualify for Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
If there is a living spouse or siblings they will need to renounce their rights and nominate you as administrator. Please note: the oldest sibling DOES NOT automatically becomes the executor or administrator. Age has nothing to do with it.
Application For Probate And Letters - Executor
If the decedent named you as the executor in the Will, this is the form that you will use to start the probate process. With this form, you will attach the death certificate and the Will. You will file this form in that county where the decedent lived. File it at the county clerk of superior court. I would suggest that you call the county clerk of superior court to see if any additional information is going to be needed. If the Decedent did not live in North Carolina at the time of death, you may file in any county in which they held assets or property.
Application For Probate And Letters - Administrator
If the decedent did not leave you or anyone else as the executor in the Will, this is the form that you will use to start the probate process. With this form, you will attach the death certificate. You will file this form in that county where the decedent lived. You will file it at the county clerk of superior court. I would suggest that you call the county clerk of superior court to see if any additional information is going to be needed. If the Decedent did not live in North Carolina at the time of death, you may file in any county in which they held assets or property.
Instructions to complete the inventory portion
Attached to form AOC-E-201 and form AOC-E-202 is a form where you have to list the decedents assets and debts in the estate. The estate consist of everything that the decedent owned including bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate, boats, automobile, furniture, jewelry, pictures, etc. You will need to list these things along with the value of each on the day of death. You may need to get an appraiser and a real estate agent to help you.
AFFIDAVIT FOR COLLECTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OF DECEDENT
Use this form if the value of the estate is less than $20,000.00 (or potentially $30,000 for surviving spouses), and 30 days have passed since the date of death.
Affidavit of Notice to Creditors
Use this form to inform the courts that the decedent's creditors have been made aware of the probate filing.
**Failing to properly file a notice creditors may be THE most common mistake people make during probate. If you don’t do a thorough job, you may be personally liable for the estate’s debts.
Oath/Affirmation
By signing an "oath or affirmation," individuals pledge to be truthful in the presence of a notary and uphold their commitment to faithfully carry out assigned duties. This solemn statement confirms they have taken this oath, witnessed by a legal authority who affirms its validity.
Bond
If you do not live in North Carolina it is required that you purchase a probate bond. This is the form that you and the bond company will need to fill out.
ORDER AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF LETTERS
Once you have filed all required documentation the Clerk will examine each piece of information and determine if everything is filled out correctly and if the will is valid. Once everything has been validated you will be issued Form AOC-E-402.
Letters Testamentary/letters of Administration
Once the Executor has met all legal requirements, they will receive copies of form AOC-E-403, Known as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. You will receive 5 copies of this form. With the provided form, you can act on behalf of the decedent and access their accounts. Extra documents for reference or distribution are available if necessary - simply cover related filing fees to request copies.
Notice to Beneficiaries
You must notify all beneficiaries about the probate filing of the estate. You can use this form to notify them, as specified by North Carolina General Statute §28A-2A-3. The responsible party should ensure that these notifications are taken care of properly - usually generated and sent out by a personal representative (PR) with confirmation from their local clerk.
Appointment of Resident Process Agent
If you live outside of the State of North Carolina you will be required to appoint a resident process agent. Use this form. You will need to fill out the information and sign. Then send it to the person who will serve as the resident process agent. They will need to sign this form in front of a notary and then take or send it to the clerk of superior court where the probate was filed.
Additional Inventory to list
If you run out of room in the inventory section, use this form to list additional inventory.
Annual/Final Accounting
Use this form to report the final accounting. This form shows where all of the estate funds went. If the probate is not completed you will use this form to show the annual accounting.
Heir Recept
Heirs will need to sign this form to let the courts know that they have received their share of the estate.
Estate Action Cover Sheet
Serves as the first page of any probate filing. includes information about the decedent, the personal representative, and all persons entitled to share in the decedent’s estate.
**If the forms on this page load slowly it may be due to technical issues with the NC courts website.
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Application for Probate and Petition for Summary Administration (If the deceased left a will
If the surviving spouse is the sole beneficiary under the will
Summary Administration (Intestate - There is no will)
Use this form to resolve a small estate only if the decedent's spouse is the sole beneficiary
Not Everyone Can Afford an Attorney
If you need assistance in putting a probate application package together give me a call and I will personally help walk you through it. There are a lot to pieces to this process and it is best to receive guidance if you feel unsure doing it on your own. Please keep in mind that I am not an attorney and I do not give legal advice. I look foreword to speaking to you.
Learn More About The Probate Process

Denise Harper Davis
Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist
Licensed Realtor
252-902-9006
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* Disclaimer: North Carolina Probate Solutions and the author of this page is not a licensed attorney or CPA. This post should not be considered legal or tax advice. Always consult an estate attorney or tax professional when needing legal answers and legal advice.
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The above information is provided for informational purposes only. While we do our best to keep our content and links up-to-date, state laws may change periodically, so be certain to confirm any state specific information with a local authoritative source such as the court clerk’s office, or if necessary, an attorney.
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For specific or individualized advice regarding your situation, please consult with a probate clerk of court, qualified trust & estates tax &/or legal professional, or reference the North Carolina probate code.

We Are Here For You
Being an executor isn't just about gathering forms and documents - it's also ensuring they're filed properly to prevent costly glitches. If you need any help with the complex process of probate, feel free to turn to us – we'll even put you in touch with an attorney who specialize in probate if needed!