Winston-Salem is in Forsyth County.

Probate in Forsyth County

Probate Court Record

Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court

Forsyth County · Superior Court District 31

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Office

175 North Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Self-represented filing

Allowed

Self-help forms

How to file probate in Forsyth County →

Verified October 16, 2026 · Source

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Forsyth County? →Settling an estate in Forsyth County →

Forms for Planning and Settling an Estate in North Carolina

Free North Carolina forms to plan or settle an estate: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed and the probate forms. Prepare each form for North Carolina.

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Revocable Living Trust

Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.

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Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in North Carolina

Free calculators and checklists to plan or settle an estate in North Carolina: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay and taxes. Run each tool.

How Do I Settle a Trust?

Settling a trust in North Carolina happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust CodeN.C.G.S. § 36C-1-101 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.

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What's Fair Trustee Compensation?

In North Carolina, trustee compensation follows "reasonable compensation" (UTC § 708 or equivalent)N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 36C-7-708, 32-54, 32-55, 32-56, 32-57, 32-58, 32-60Verified Sep 18, 2026View source unless the trust instrument sets a different amount.

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How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in North Carolina: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysN.C.G.S. §§ 28A-20-1, 28A-20-3, 28A-20-4Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 3 monthsNCGS §§ 28A-14-1, 28A-19-1, 28A-19-3, 28A-19-6, 28A-19-16Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.

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