Filing a claim against an estate is a fairly simple process: In the claim, you'll state under oath that the debt is owed and provide details on the amount of the debt and any payments the decedent made. If you have written documentation, you can attach it to your claim.
Understanding the Deceased Estate 3-Year Rule The core premise of the 3-year rule is that if the deceased's estate is not claimed or administered within three years of their death, the state or governing body may step in and take control of the distribution and management of the assets.
Submit your claim directly to the probate court and serve a copy on the personal representative. If you file a formal claim and the personal representative rejects it, you can file suit against the estate within three months of the rejection.
Ask the County Clerk or search online for your county's probate forms. Fill out the forms with the requested details, such as the decedent's full name, address, date of birth, and date of death; their personal representatives' contact details; heirs; estate value; and more. Then return the forms to the County Clerk.
Process used by Probate Creditors The Executor is required to provide 90-days from the date of the first publication of the notice for the Estate Creditors to present their claims.
Generally, North Carolina law expects the executor to settle the estate within a reasonable time frame, typically ranging from six to 18 months or longer for complex cases.