When a loved one passes away, handling their estate can feel overwhelming—especially if you've been named as the executor or need to serve as the estate's administrator. In North Carolina, the first critical step in this process is officially opening the estate with the court. This step gives you the legal authority to act on behalf of the deceased person's…

When a parent passes away and the car is still titled in their name, many families in North Carolina encounter confusion—and occasional stress—about how to legally transfer ownership to the child who regularly drives and pays for that vehicle. Understanding both the ownership process and the steps to avoid future complications is essential for a smooth estate administration and peace…

If a loved one passes away owning a car in North Carolina, you may be wondering—can you sell their vehicle without going through probate? Understanding how legal authority is transferred after death and what steps are needed to sell or transfer a deceased person's car is essential for protecting your interests and ensuring compliance with North Carolina law. What Happens…

Finding a check addressed to your deceased loved one creates a challenge during an already emotional time. Tax refunds, insurance payouts, final paychecks, or dividend checks can't be deposited or cashed like normal, even if you're the next of kin. You might think signing the back with "for deposit only" would work, but North Carolina banks will refuse such checks…

As estate planning attorneys serving Cary, Raleigh, and the greater Triangle area, we often hear from clients looking for ways to simplify the estate administration process for their loved ones. A question that frequently comes up is whether adding a child to the deed of your home can help avoid probate. While this strategy may seem like an easy solution…