Estate Administration & Probate

Omega Elder Law guides your loved ones through North Carolina probate, trust, and estate administration processes. We support your wishes, protect your assets, and prevent representatives from making costly mistakes.

What is North Carolina Probate?

Probate is the process by which the court supervises the administration of your estate and the distribution of assets to heirs upon your death. The probate process establishes the validity of a will or administers the estate according to state law if there is no will.

Most people want to avoid probate because it is public, time-consuming, and expensive. However, if probate is necessary, our firm will work hard for your family to help them navigate the process as efficiently as possible.

Omega Elder Law can still provide guidance, peace of mind, and support to your loved ones regardless of an estate plan.

What is North Carolina Trust Administration?

A trustee is named by the owner of the trust when it is created. This person will be responsible for managing the trust once it becomes active. When a person dies with a valid trust in North Carolina, the successor trustee is responsible for carrying out the wishes of the grantor as outlined in the trust document.  Accountings are required to be given to trust beneficiaries.

What is North Carolina Estate Administration?

Estate administration is the process of managing and distributing a person’s property after death. Estate administration cases vary depending on the circumstances, but basic steps in the process include:

• Filing of an application for letters with the Clerk of Court
• Notifying beneficiaries under the will or statutory heirs (if no will exists)
• Taking inventory and appraisal of estate assets
• Paying the estate’s debts
• Selling estate assets
• Paying estate taxes, if applicable
• Distributing final assets to heirs
• Filing accountings as required with the Clerk of Court

It can be complicated navigating estate administration. Omega Elder Law can help settle any legal issues that arise when dealing with estate administration processes by supporting the executor/trustee role so you can focus on the needs of your family.

Request a consultation with an experienced attorney in estate administration and probate!

Janna Wallace is an NC State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Elder Law and has been practicing law for 20 years. She is the owner of Omega Elder Law, with offices in Fuquay-Varina and Raleigh, NC. Janna developed an interest in elder law during her four years as a Medicaid Eligibility Specialist for the Department of Social Services. Her practice is focused on estate planning and administration, as well as elder law, including Medicaid planning, special needs planning, and assistance with Alzheimer’s and dementia.