Bill > H377

This bill comprehensively updates North Carolina's laws related to estates, trusts, and probate proceedings. First, it introduces the North Carolina Uniform Electronic Wills Act, which allows for the creation, execution, and probate of electronic wills, defining how digital wills can be created, signed, and validated, including provisions for converting traditional paper wills to electronic format. Second, the bill updates elective share statutes, modifying how partial and contingent property interests are valued and clarifying procedural requirements for filing elective share claims. Third, it revises trust administration rules, particularly concerning the limitation period for contesting trust validity and the distribution of trust assets. Fourth, the bill makes significant changes to year's allowance statutes, adjusting how spousal and child allowances are determined, prioritized, and processed, including new provisions about filing petitions and resolving potential conflicts. The bill also includes technical amendments to various related statutes and provides for the Revisor of Statutes to print relevant commentary. Most provisions become effective on January 1, 2026, with some parts taking effect immediately, and the changes are designed to modernize estate planning and probate processes while providing clearer guidelines for legal practitioners and citizens.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H377