It will, however, give you an idea of what is involved. Often you may need to seek professional advice for detailed assistance in settling an estate. Another invaluable help is the staff in the office of the clerk of the Superior Court in your county. If a will has been left, you will be dealing with a testate estate. If you are willing to serve as personal representative, your next step is to apply to the court to probate the will.
Most wills written in recent years are self-proving.
This means that the testator and the witnesses signed a sworn affidavit before a notary public or someone else authorized to administer oaths. If the will is not self-proving, the two witnesses to the testator's signature must be located and they must testify to the genuineness of the testator's handwriting. You must post a bond if the will requires it. A non-resident of North Carolina may serve as personal representative, but he or she must appoint a resident process agent to receive papers filed in settling the estate. If a person dies without a will, a decision must be made as to who will serve as personal representative.