# Wake Forest Probate Process | Cary Estate Planning [Call Now Click Here](tel:919-659-8433) Click [HERE](https://caryestateplanning.com/contact-us/) to speak with NC’s trusted statewide Estate Planning, Probate, and Special Needs Planning Law Firm! # WAKE FOREST PROBATE PROCESS Helping You Protect What Matters Most. 900+ Google Reviews [Take Our Quick Planning Quiz](https://caryestateplanning.com/contact-us/) Or Call [919-659-8433](tel:919-659-8433) Wake Forest Probate Process The purpose of probate is to oversee the distribution of a decedent’s assets and the payment of their debts. The state’s probate courts have the sole authority to authenticate a Will, appoint an executor, and oversee that person’s actions. If you have been named as an executor, you play an important role in the administration… [Take Our Quick Planning Quiz](https://caryestateplanning.com/contact-us/) ## Quick Answer Table of Contents Toggle The purpose of probate is to oversee the distribution of a decedent’s assets and the payment of their debts. The state’s probate courts have the sole authority to authenticate a Will, appoint an executor, and oversee that person’s actions. If you have been named as an executor, you play an important role in the administration of the estate. An [experienced attorney](https://caryestateplanning.com/wake-forest-estate-planning/probate-lawyer/) can guide you on your responsibilities in the Wake Forest probate process. Similarly, if you are an heir or another interested party in an estate, you may wish to seek legal counsel as well. ## Submitting a Will to the Wake Forest Court Probate begins when the court receives two documents. The first is a valid [Will](https://caryestateplanning.com/wake-forest-estate-planning/wills-lawyer/), which can be submitted at any time by any party. Along with the Will, the court must also receive a valid death certificate. Any party may submit this documentation, along with the $120 filing fee, and request that the court begin the probate process. ### Validating the Will The next step is to validate the Will. If a Will contains the testator’s signature and the signatures of two witnesses, the document is presumed to be valid. However, any party who has an interest in the estate or would stand to inherit if the Will did not exist has the right to challenge the document’s authenticity. A [skilled local attorney](https://caryestateplanning.com/wake-forest-estate-planning/) can assist those involved with Will disputes in the probate process. Once a court answers these concerns, it will move forward to appoint an executor. ## Appointment of an Executor A person may become the executor of an estate in one of two ways. According to [North Carolina General Statutes § 28A-4-1](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/BySection/Chapter_28A/GS_28A-4-1.pdf), a Will may nominate an executor. Alternatively, if the named executor refuses the role or if the Will does not nominate anyone, the court may appoint an executor. Generally speaking, any person over the age of 18 may serve in this role. Once the court certifies an executor, it will issue letters testamentary. These letters grant the executor power to administer the estate. This could involve the following actions: - Opening bank accounts - Taking temporary possession of property - Paying debts - Distributing assets Importantly, executors must keep records of their actions to show that they are fulfilling their duties to the court and the estate. ## Closing an Estate in the Probate Process When an executor believes that they have paid all debts and transferred all property, they may file paperwork with the court stating that the [estate](https://caryestateplanning.com/wake-forest-estate-planning/process/) should close. The court will examine the list of the decedent’s assets and contrast it with the Will and the executor’s logs. If the court believes that the estate has fulfilled its purpose, it will be closed. If not, the court may direct the executor to continue their role. A seasoned lawyer can help executors reach a successful conclusion to the Wake Forest probate process. ## Call a Lawyer for Help with the Wake Forest Probate Process Almost every Will must go through the state’s probate process. Any party may submit a Will and death certificate to the court, beginning the process. However, probate can be a long and complex journey, requiring help from a dedicated attorney to successfully navigate the legal system. If you are dealing with the Wake Forest probate process, [reach out](https://caryestateplanning.com/contact-us/) to our firm today to learn how we can help. ## Schedule a consultation [Take Our Quick Planning Quiz](https://caryestateplanning.com/contact-us/) 900+ Google Reviews ## Schedule a consultation 900+ Google Reviews ## How We Help North Carolina Families CARY RALEIGH [Estate Planning](https://caryestateplanning.com/) [WILLS](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-wills-lawyer/) [TRUSTS](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-trusts-lawyer/) [PROBATE](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-probate-lawyer/) [ELDER LAW & MEDICAID PLANNING](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-medicaid-planning-lawyer/) [SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING](https://caryestateplanning.com/special-needs-trusts/) [POWER OF ATTORNEY](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-power-of-attorney-lawyer/) [GUARDIANSHIP](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-guardianship-lawyer/) [ESTATE ADMINISTRATION](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-estate-administration-lawyer/) [FINANCIAL PLANNING](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-financial-planning/) [Estate Planning](https://caryestateplanning.com/raleigh-estate-planning-lawyer/) [WILLS](https://caryestateplanning.com/raleigh-estate-planning-lawyer/raleigh-wills-lawyer/) [TRUSTS](https://caryestateplanning.com/raleigh-estate-planning-lawyer/raleigh-trusts-lawyer/) PROBATE ELDER LAW & MEDICAID PLANNING SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING POWER OF ATTORNEY GUARDIANSHIP ESTATE ADMINISTRATION FINANCIAL PLANNING Cary Office [1255 Crescent Green, STE 200, Cary, NC 27518](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=10586265549256419209) 900+ Google Reviews [Take Our Quick Planning Quiz](https://caryestateplanning.com/contact-us/) Raleigh Office [9121 Anson Way Suite 235, Raleigh, NC 27615](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14359503740153328567) 900+ Google Reviews [Take Our Quick Planning Quiz](https://caryestateplanning.com/contact-us/) ## Trusted Estate Planning Attorney Offices in Cary and Raleigh Serving all of North Carolina Cary Office 1255 Crescent Green, STE 200, Cary, NC 27518 [Get Directions](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=10586265549256419209) Raleigh Office 9121 Anson Way Suite 235, Raleigh, NC 27615 [Get Directions](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14359503740153328567) Capability to meet virtually to help all NC residents [919-659-8433](tel:919-659-8433) [Contact Us Now](https://caryestateplanning.com/contact-us/) DISCLAIMER: The law firm of Cary Estate Planning cannot and does not represent you until our client intake process is completed. 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Making sure my kids or family are taken care of if something happens to me Protecting my assets from taxes, creditors, or unnecessary costs Planning for a loved one with special needs or a disability Navigating probate or settling a loved one’s estate Updating my plan after a major life change (marriage, divorce, new child, retirement) ### Which of these applies to you? (Select all that apply) I own a home or real estate I own a business I have investments, retirement accounts, or life insurance I have children under 18 I have a child or loved one with special needs I’m caring for aging parents (sandwich generation) I’m approaching or in retirement None of the above / just getting started ### Where are you located? Cary / Western Wake County Raleigh / Central Wake County Chapel Hill / Orange County Elsewhere in North Carolina Outside North Carolina --- Source: https://caryestateplanning.com/wake-forest-estate-planning/probate-lawyer/process/