Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in North Carolina

I am trying to apply for letters of administration in NC. The application wants dollar figures for bank accounts, retirement, and insurance. None of these places will give me any information without the letters of administration. Do I simply guess at the amounts (does it need to be absolutely accurate)? I am trying not to create any more hassle in an already frustrating process. Also what would the court fees to file the application cost (I have been told it's based on the amount of the estate). My lawyer is out of town for the next 2 weeks, thank you for any assistance.


Asked on 9/17/14, 2:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Rachel Hunter

The preliminary inventory which accompanies the application for probate/issuance of letters is just that - preliminary. if you have an idea (you would have access to the decedent's bank statements perhaps) then use that information. If you truly have no idea then leave blank for now. Retirement and insurance do not belong on the preliminary inventory if there is a beneficiary who has been designated. These things only get listed if the estate is the beneficiary or none is named.

I suggest that you wait until your lawyer returns if he or she is a probate lawyer who practices in the county where the estate will be probated. If the lawyer is not a probate lawyer, then you ought to consult with one.

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Answered on 9/17/14, 6:45 pm


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