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Clerk of Superior Court
Ex-officio Judge Of Probate
Estates Division
Cumberland County Courthouse [Map]
First Floor – Room
104
(910) 475-3004
(Business Hours)
In North Carolina
the Clerk of Superior Court is the Judge of Probate and has exclusive original jurisdiction of probate and
administration of decedent's estates, administration of guardianships and
trusts, and supervision of other fiduciaries.
The passing of a loved one is a traumatic time and often complicated
by the difficulty of handling the legal matters of their estate.
The Estates Division is responsible for all probate matters,
including the probate of Wills and the settlement and administration of
estates (assets and property) of decedents, incompetents, and minor
children. The Estates Division is also responsible for the appointment of
permanent guardians for minor children and incompetent adults.
In keeping with our commitment to public service, our Estate’s
Division offers competent and professional assistance through individual
case assignment of estate matters assuring that you see the same person
who is familiar with your case each time you visit our office.
To reduce unnecessary waiting in our office, please call the Estates
Division at the number above and schedule an appointment with our staff.
The responsibilities of
appointment for administering someone’s estate are governed closely by
the laws of North Carolina.
Failure to perform those duties as required by law, including the timely
and accurately filing of inventories and accountings may result in you
being served with court orders by the Sheriff of your county. You can be
held in contempt of court and placed in the county jail until compliance
with the court order. Additionally service fees that arise from these
orders are your own personal costs and cannot be paid from the estate.
While the Estates Division staff
can provide assistance in answering procedural questions related to estate administration, they are expressly forbidden by law from providing legal
advice, answering legal questions, and filling out forms. If it becomes necessary, It is strongly recommended that you seek
competent legal counsel to assist you through this legal process.
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