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The probate process for a regular estate in North Carolina typically takes six to 12 months. However, this timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the estate. For example, if there are many properties, no will, or numerous heirs, the process may take longer, up to 18 months or more.

Such property may include life insurance policies, retirement accounts, joint bank accounts, and annuities. Land and houses generally are not administered through the probate estate unless the will provides otherwise or the sale of these assets is needed to pay estate debts.

In North Carolina, you can make a living trust to avoid probate for virtually any asset you own?real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, and so on. You need to create a trust document (it's similar to a will), naming someone to take over as trustee after your death (called a successor trustee).

Unlike South Carolina and many other states, real property in North Carolina does not typically pass through probate. When a decedent dies intestate (without a Will), title to the decedent's non-survivorship real property is vested in his or heir heirs as of the time of death [G.S. 28A-15-2(b)].

The probate process begins at the Clerk of Superior Court in the deceased's county of residence. An application is submitted to the clerk by either the executor/executrix named in a will or, if there is no will or the person named in the will is not able or willing to serve, a person qualified to be an administrator.

The personal representative has authority over all assets of the deceased person that go through probate; these assets make up the "probate estate." Probate assets typically include vehicles, real estate, bank and brokerage accounts, and personal belongings such as jewelry, furniture, art, and collections.