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Will writing service in North Carolina

Written by

Annie L.

Reviewed & Facts Checked by: Patience P.
Will writing service in NC

Are you a North Carolina resident above 18 intending to write a will? This article details will writing in North Carolina, the formalities of writing a will, clauses to include a will, and contesting a will, among others. 

How much does it cost to write a will in North Carolina?

Writing a will in North Carolina costs an average of $300 to $1500.The cost depends on the avenue chosen to create the will, for example, whether you write through an online writing company or attorney, the time spent creating and reviewing the will, and the attorney fees charged for creating the will.

At LegalPen, the average cost of writing a will is $ 250. 

Can I write a will without a lawyer in North Carolina?

Yes, you can write a will without a lawyer in North Carolina if you are above 18 and have a sound mind. Additionally, the maker must sign the will and two witnesses who acknowledge the maker’s signature. The will must be printed on paper.

Since one can make a will without a lawyer in North Carolina, it is advisable to consult professionals like LegalPen, who provide consultancy and will-writing services. 

Yes, it is legal to write your own will in Carolina. Own-made wills are acceptable if the maker is above 18 years old and has a sound mind and reasoning. Additionally, the maker must sign the will in the presence of two witnesses. 

Does a will in North Carolina need to be notarized?

No, a will in North Carolina does not need to be notarized. However, if one wants to add the ‘self-proving’ effect to the will, one needs to notarize the will. You will sign a self-proving affidavit that is notarized and attached to the will to add the self-proving effect.  

Do I Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in North Carolina?

No, you do not need a lawyer to make a will in North Carolina. The North Carolina laws do not require hiring a lawyer in the will-making process. However, you may want to consult a lawyer to ensure your will is valid.

LegalPen, an online will writing company, can help you write a valid will that complies with the North Carolina Estate laws. 

Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Will in North Carolina

No, you do not need a lawyer to file a will in North Carolina. One may file the will by themselves at the registry of the Superior Court. 

Yes, online wills are legal in North Carolina. Online wills are legal so long the willmaker is 18 years old and above and is of sound mind and reasoning. Moreover, the wills created online must be printed out and signed by the testator. North Carolina laws do not recognize digital wills. 

How to Include Digital Assets in a North Carolina Will?

You can include digital assets in a North Carolina will by including them among your assets and allocating a beneficiary who will inherit the digital assets. For digital assets such as social media accounts like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, you will leave behind passwords and instructions on how you would like them to be handled and utilized. 

How to Disinherit Someone in a North Carolina Will?

In North Carolina, you can disinherit someone by not including them in the will, or you can disinherit someone in the will by stating that you do not intend for the beneficiary to inherit anything in the will.  As part of the disinheritance, you can include why you intend to disinherit the person, such as they are irresponsible or did not care for you, among other reasons. 

How to Handle Debts and Liabilities in a North Carolina Will?

You should include debts and liabilities in a North Carolina will. The debts and liabilities you can include in North Carolina include home equity loans and car loans. Once you include your debts and liabilities in a North Carolina will, you can include instructions on how you would like the loans to be paid. It is important to note that debts like credit card bills and other unsecured debts are not included in a North Carolina will. 

How to Provide for Minor Children in a North Carolina Will?

The North Carolina Uniform Transfer of Minors Act provides information on how to care for minors. According to this act, you can provide for your minor by setting up a custodial account managed by an account custodian. The account is kept safe until the minor attains 18 years. Additionally, you can provide for minors by choosing a guardian. The guardian will take care of the property, assets, and money allocated to the minor until the minor turns 18. 

How to Store Your North Carolina Will Safely?

In North Carolina, one may keep their will in a safe box and store it with an attorney or at the local branch of the superior court. According to the North Carolina General Statutes, the clerk of the superior court must maintain a depository where any resident can store their will. Thus, one may file their will with the local branch of the superior court. 

How to Contest a Will in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a will is challenged through caveat proceedings. A person entitled to bequest under the will or any other person interested in the will can file for a caveat proceeding.  One can contest a will based on capacity issues, fraud, undue influence, or mistake. A beneficiary can contest the will because they were not included in the will as a beneficiary or that whatever was allocated to them in the will is insufficient. 

An interested person contesting a will must post a bond with the court before filing a caveat proceedings, they must file the probate proceeding within three years of the will being probate and notify all the interested parties. 

One should contact an attorney to institute caveat proceedings on their behalf. 

What are No-Contest Clauses in North Carolina Wills?

A no-contest clause in North Carolina is a clause that deters the beneficiaries from contesting any clauses or provisions in the will. They reinforce the respect of the decedent’s wishes. The no-contest clauses disinherit any persons who contest the will or the provisions of the will. 

What is the difference between probate in North Carolina and Michigan? 

The Clerk of the Superior Court handles the probate process in North Carolina in the county where the deceased person resided, whereas, in Michigan, the probate process is overseen by the probate court in the county where the deceased person resided. Both persons are encouraged to write wills for the probate process to be seamless. For more information on how to write a will, you can check out the will-writing service in Michigan

How to Handle Foreign Property in a North Carolina will?

When you own foreign property in another country, you should consider the laws of that country when drafting a will. For additional security measures, you can contact an estate attorney in the country where the property is situated. One of the questions you might ask the attorney is whether wills made in North Carolina are acceptable in the jurisdiction where the property is situated. If a North Carolina will is valid in that foreign country, you can include the foreign property in the North Carolina will. 

How to Make a Will for Same-Sex Couples in North Carolina?

Same-sex couples in North Carolina can make a joint, mutual, or simple will. North Carolina law now recognizes same-sex couples encouraged to plan their estates. Same-sex couples can write wills in North Carolina that reflect their wishes, provide for their dependents and loved ones, and provide for either of the spouses in case of death by one spouse. 

How to Plan for Pet Care in Your North Carolina will?

In North Carolina, pets are considered personal property. Thus, you can include them in your will. When including pets in your will, you can appoint a close family member or friend who likes dogs and will take care of them after your passing. Alternatively, you can establish a pet trust. The North Carolina law provides for establishing a pet trust, which means appointing someone to take care of your pet and setting aside money for your pet’s care and maintenance. 

How to Handle Business Succession in a North Carolina Will?

Business owners and company directors can plan the succession of a business to ensure a smooth transition even after their death. The options available to business owners include leaving their property to a family member or an employee or selling it to a competitor or strategic partner.  

Additionally, they can leave property to a family member; the business owner should include the business as a bequest in a will to a beneficiary; if leaving the property to a business partner or an employee, the business owner can draft a business succession plan or a buyout agreement. 

How to Handle Out-of-State Property in a North Carolina Will?

You can handle out-of-state property in North Carolina by including the property that is out of state. For example, a house in New York in North Carolina will. A will in North Carolina will be valid in all the states of the United States. Once the decedent passes on, the property will be handled in the state as stipulated in the North Carolina will. 

What is the difference between Holographic wills and Statutory wills in North Carolina? 

Holographic wills are handwritten wills in North Carolina; there is no requirement in North Carolina to have holographic wills witnessed in North Carolina, whereas statutory wills are formal wills written according to statute, they need to be written, signed by the testator and witnessed by two witnesses who are not beneficiaries in the will. 

Meet the Author

LegalPen Author Anne

Annie L – Distinguished linguist at LegalPen

Annie is a distinguished linguist at LegalPen, bringing a unique blend of legal expertise and linguistic precision to her work. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, attending on a prestigious Law Faculty Merit Scholarship. At Yale, Annie showcased her exceptional skills by serving as an editor on the Yale Law Review.

Upon graduating, Annie gained invaluable experience through a two-year appellate clerkship at a renowned law firm in Connecticut. During her time in law school, she honed her research and writing abilities as a research assistant and writer for various legal firms. Annie’s deep understanding of legal language and her attention to detail make her an invaluable asset to LegalPen.

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