As the executor or trustee in North Carolina, should I begin paying any of our loved one’s bills and debts?
Not yet. As the executor or trustee, it is very important that the deceased’s bills and debts be handled correctly, and by law, there is an order of priority in which they need to be paid.
Frequently, as executor or trustee, you will first want to run an appropriate Notice to Creditors. In North Carolina, the Notice to Creditors must allow at least 3 months for creditors to respond. Frequently, bills and debts will not be paid until after this 3-month window to ensure that they are paid in the appropriate order of priority. However, with a larger estate where there are clearly sufficient assets to cover any debts and expenses, some bills and expenses may be paid sooner.
As the executor or trustee, it is also your duty to ensure that the bills and debts are bona fide and legally enforceable.
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