Onslow County Probate Attorneys

Trusted Guidance Through the Probate Process

Get all the help you need with probate by coming to the Law Offices of Cheryl David, serving clients in Onslow County, North Carolina. With phone consultations and remote services, we can act as your legal guides through the probate process, no matter where you live in the state. It’s all a part of how we make probate cases convenient, straightforward, and less stressful for our clients.

People in Onslow County choose to work with us because:

• We concentrate entirely on estate planning and probate law
• Our attorneys have decades of collective experience
• We are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
• We offer fully remote services throughout North Carolina

Contact us online or call (336) 717-0375 today to schedule an initial consultation, including remote consultations for your convenience.

What Happens in the Probate Process?

Probate is the legal process used to settle a person’s estate after death by addressing debts, inheritances, and other obligations related to the estate. The probate process typically begins when the estate is opened with the court and legal authority is granted to manage estate affairs. While some estates are relatively straightforward, others may involve complications such as creditor claims, unclear asset ownership, or disagreements among family members, which is why many people begin probate with the help of an attorney.

Probate usually involves the following steps:

• Filing probate documents with the Clerk of Superior Court
• Opening the estate and receiving legal authority to proceed
• Identifying, gathering, and valuing estate assets
• Notifying creditors and addressing valid claims
• Filing required inventories and accountings
• Distributing remaining assets to heirs or beneficiaries

If those steps seem like a lot to handle, don’t worry. Our probate lawyers are always prepared to handle each part of a probate case for a client. We take pride in making probate simple for clients, especially when they are still grieving the loss of a loved one.

Is Probate Always Required After Someone Passes Away?

Probate is not required for every estate. Whether probate is necessary depends on how the deceased person’s assets were owned and whether estate planning tools were in place. Some assets are structured to transfer automatically upon death, without court involvement.

However, many estates in Onslow County do require probate, at least in part. Assets owned solely in the deceased person’s name generally cannot be transferred without probate authorization. Even estates that seem simple may still involve court filings or procedural requirements.

We can help you determine whether probate is required, what type of probate process applies, and what steps must be taken based on the assets involved.

Do All Assets Have to Go Through Probate?

Not all assets must go through probate. Certain types of property pass directly to beneficiaries and are considered non-probate assets. These often include assets held in a living trust, accounts with named beneficiaries, and jointly owned property with rights of survivorship.

Assets that are owned individually and do not have beneficiary designations typically must go through probate before ownership can be transferred. Identifying which assets fall into each category is an important early step, as it affects timelines and responsibilities. Let us help you review estate assets that might go through probate.

Our Probate Lawyers Can Handle Every Step

Probate can be complex, but much less so when you put the Law Offices of Cheryl David in charge of it. We provide focused legal support designed to help you understand your role in probate and move through the process efficiently. Because we offer remote probate services, we can help clients connected to estates in Onslow County regardless of where they live.

We help with probate cases by:

• Determining whether probate is required
• Preparing and filing probate documents
• Explaining court procedures and deadlines
• Addressing creditor claims and estate issues
• Guiding asset distribution and estate closure

Common Probate Questions

How long does probate usually take in North Carolina?
The timeline varies based on the size and complexity of the estate. Some estates may be completed in several months, while others take longer due to creditor claims or asset issues.

What happens if there is no will?
If there is no will, the estate is distributed according to North Carolina intestacy laws. Probate is still required, and the court appoints an administrator to manage the estate.

Can probate be handled without in-person meetings?
Yes. Many probate matters can be handled remotely if you work with our attorneys. We offer phone and virtual consultations and work with clients throughout North Carolina.

What is the difference between an executor and an administrator?
An executor is named in a will, while an administrator is appointed by the court when no will exists or no executor is available. Both roles can carry legal responsibilities during probate processes under North Carolina law.

Speak with a Probate Attorney in Onslow County Today

Probate is complicated, but it is easy to make it simpler: just hire an Onslow County probate lawyer from the Law Offices of Cheryl David for counsel and representation. We take pride in helping families figure out probate in ways that don’t add any stress or difficulties to their already busy lives. If you want to know more about probate, start by speaking with us!

We can talk to you about probate whenever you are available. Call (336) 717-0375 and schedule an initial consultation.