NC eCourts Filing Walkthrough: How to File Probate Online Through Odyssey

Filing probate with North Carolina courts just got dramatically faster. Five years ago, you mailed documents to a clerk, waited days for them to arrive, and then waited another week for processing. Today, you can file through eCourts from your home in 15 minutes and receive approval within 24 hours.

But here’s the catch: eCourts is only available in about 50 of North Carolina’s 100 counties. And if your county is operational, you need to know the exact steps to avoid rejections that send you back to square one.

This guide walks you through the entire eCourts filing process, county by county. We’ll help you verify if your county is operational, set up your account, and file your first probate case without mistakes.

Is Your County on NC eCourts Yet?

The first question: can you actually file online in your county? North Carolina’s eCourts rollout (through Tyler Technologies Odyssey) is happening in phases. Some counties have been operational since 2023. Others are just coming online now in 2026. A few still aren’t operational.

Check your county’s status immediately. Visit the North Carolina Court Administration website (courts.nc.gov) and look for “eCourts Implementation Status.” You’ll see a current list showing which counties are operational. Alternatively, call your county probate clerk directly and ask: “Are you using Tyler Technologies Odyssey for probate filings?” This direct question gets you a definitive answer in seconds.

Even if your county shows “operational,” verify that probate division is actually live. Some counties have eCourts for civil and criminal cases but haven’t launched probate yet.

Phase 1 counties (2023-2024) are fully operational. Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), Wake County (Raleigh), Guilford County (Greensboro), Forsyth County (Winston-Salem), and Durham County have been processing eCourts filings for years. These counties represent about 30% of North Carolina’s population and 40% of all probate filings. Filing is smooth, clerk staff is experienced, and approval happens fast (often 1-2 days in Wake County).

Phase 2 counties (2024-2025) are operational with improving stability. About 25-30 additional mid-size counties are now on Odyssey, including Cumberland County (Fayetteville), Orange County (Chapel Hill), and others. Filing works well, though clerk staff may still be ramping up. You’ll typically see 2-3 day approval times.

Phase 3 is happening now (2025-2026). Approximately 20-25 smaller rural counties are in the rollout process. Some just came online; others are launching within the next 60 days. Filing works, but some counties still accept paper as an alternative. If your county is in Phase 3, confirm before you plan an eCourts filing.

Current status (February 2026): approximately 50 of 100 counties are operational. NC Court Administration is pushing hard for full statewide implementation by end of 2026. If your county isn’t operational yet, check again in 30-60 days; it may have just launched.

If your county isn’t operational yet, stick with paper filing. Mail or deliver documents in person to your probate clerk. You won’t be able to use eCourts until your county launches. When your county does launch, eCourts filings start fresh; you can’t retroactively file documents you already submitted by paper.

Here’s a strategic note: If your probate filing isn’t urgent, consider waiting for your county’s eCourts launch. The process is significantly easier and faster. Delaying 60 days to wait for eCourts might actually be the smarter play for a non-urgent estate.

Setting Up Your Odyssey Account

Once you’ve confirmed your county is operational, it’s time to create your eCourts account. This takes 10-15 minutes and requires basic information.

Navigate to your county’s eCourts portal. Search “[County Name] eCourts” in Google (e.g., “Wake County eCourts”). You’ll get the official county court website. Look for a link that says “eCourts,” “Odyssey,” “File Online,” or similar. Make sure you’re on the official .nc.gov website. Don’t use third-party services; go directly to the court site.

Bookmark the page so you don’t have to search again next time.

Click “Register” or “New User” to create your account. You’ll need to provide: full legal name, email address, password (minimum 8 characters, mixed case recommended), and phone number (optional but recommended for SMS notifications).

Use a strong password you’ll remember but others won’t guess. Don’t use “password123” or “executor2026.” Consider a phrase (like “MyDad’sEstate!2026”) that’s meaningful but hard to crack. Better yet, save your credentials in a password manager like LastPass or 1Password so you don’t have to remember.

Select your account type. Most users choose “Individual” (for executors, administrators, and pro se filers). Some select “Business” if filing on behalf of a business entity. Attorneys select “Attorney” to get additional case management features. If unsure, start with Individual; you can clarify with the clerk if your first filing is rejected.

Verify your identity. Some counties require email verification (click a link in a confirmation email). Others do manual verification where a clerk reviews your registration. Verification can take 1-2 business days. Plan ahead: if you have an urgent filing deadline, register 2-3 days early rather than the day of filing.

Save your login credentials securely. Write your username and email in a password manager. Never email your password to yourself or others. Don’t write it on a sticky note. If you share your computer with family, consider using a password manager with separate profiles.

Enable two-factor authentication if available. Some counties offer text message or email-based 2FA. This adds a security layer: even if someone gets your password, they need your phone to access the account. It’s an extra step each login, but it’s worth it for sensitive probate documents.

Navigating the Odyssey Dashboard

Once you’re logged in, you’ll see your personal probate dashboard. The interface is clean and organized, designed for people who’ve never used Odyssey before.

The home screen shows your active cases. If you’ve filed before, you’ll see your probate cases listed with case number, parties, and current status. If this is your first filing, the screen will be mostly empty. That’s normal.

The “File a New Case” button is your entry point. It’s usually a prominent green or blue button. Click it to start a new probate filing. The system will walk you through selecting case type, uploading documents, and completing forms. You can save your progress and come back later if interrupted. Don’t worry about losing your work.

“My Cases” section lists all probate matters you’re involved in. Each entry shows case number, parties, status (Pending Review, Approved, Rejected, Closed), and dates. Click on a case number to see detailed filing history, view documents you’ve submitted, and access rejection reasons if applicable. Some counties let you filter cases by date or status, which helps if you’re managing multiple estates.

“Filing History” chronologically lists every document you’ve submitted. It shows submission date, document type, and status (Approved, Under Review, Rejected). If a document was rejected, click on it to see the specific reason. Rejection explanations are usually clear: “Missing beneficiary information,” “Illegible will copy,” “Unsigned oath,” etc. You correct the issue and resubmit immediately.

Use “Contact Clerk” for questions about filing status or requirements. It’s a built-in secure messaging feature. Type your question and send. The clerk responds within 1-2 business days, usually faster. This is incredibly helpful if you’re unsure about county-specific procedures or form requirements. A quick message can prevent rejection.

The Help section has tutorials, FAQs, and sometimes form templates. Video walkthroughs show you how to create an account, upload documents, pay fees, etc. FAQs address common questions like file size limits, accepted formats, and signature requirements. If you get stuck, check Help before calling the clerk.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your First Probate Case

Now for the actual filing. Here’s exactly what happens from “File a New Case” to receiving your Letters Testamentary.

Step 1: Click “File a New Case” and select probate as your case type. The system asks you to specify: are you filing with a will (probate) or without a will (administration)? Most people select “Probate (Will).” If there’s no will, select “Administration (No Will)” instead. The form requirements differ slightly depending on which you choose.

Step 2: Enter decedent information. Full legal name, date of death, date of birth, and residential address. Make sure the name matches exactly as it appears on the will and death certificate. If the decedent went by “Bobby” but the legal name is “Robert,” use “Robert.” Inconsistent names cause rejection.

Step 3: Enter executor information. Your full legal name, address, phone, email, and relationship to decedent (spouse, child, sibling, friend, professional executor). Check the box confirming you’re willing to serve. This ensures the court doesn’t appoint someone unwilling.

Step 4: List all beneficiaries named in the will. This is a common source of rejection. Read the will carefully and list every person or organization named as beneficiary. Include their full legal name and current address. If the will says “to my children in equal shares,” list each child individually. Don’t skip anyone, even if their bequest is small. Missing a beneficiary triggers automatic rejection.

Step 5: Estimate total estate assets and debts. You don’t need exact values at filing time. “Gross estate value approximately $300,000” is fine. Conservative approach: if you’re uncertain, round up slightly. Underestimating is riskier than slightly overestimating.

Step 6: Upload the will (PDF format). Scan your will at high resolution (300 dpi minimum if handwritten). Save as PDF. Make sure the scanned image is readable. The system accepts files up to 25MB, which is plenty for probate documents. Illegible will copies cause rejection; if your scan is fuzzy, rescan before uploading.

Step 7: Upload death certificate (PDF format). Certified copy of death certificate, scanned and in PDF. Make sure the certificate is readable.

Step 8: Upload your government-issued ID (PDF or image). Driver’s license, passport, or military ID. This verifies you are who you claim to be.

Step 9: Complete the AOC-E-201 form within Odyssey. This is the official “Application for Probate of Will and for Issuance of Letters Testamentary.” Odyssey has a web-based form where you fill in fields. The system auto-validates: red asterisks mark required fields. You can’t submit until all required fields are complete. This automatic validation prevents the most common mistakes.

Step 10: Review all information for accuracy. Before hitting submit, carefully review every entry. Decedent name spelled correctly? All beneficiaries listed? Will attached? Executor info accurate? Spending 2 minutes reviewing saves you from 5-7 day rejection delay.

Step 11: Pay the filing fee by credit card. Filing fees vary by county (typically $75-150) and sometimes by estate value. The system shows the fee amount before you pay. Credit card payment is immediate. Odyssey sends you a receipt.

Step 12: Click Submit and wait for confirmation. The system immediately confirms submission with a case number. You receive an email with your case number, filing date, and next steps. Save this confirmation.

Step 13: Monitor status through the dashboard. Check back within 24 hours. Most counties show status within a day. Status will be “Submitted,” then “Under Review” (1-2 days), then either “Approved” or “Rejected.”

Step 14: If approved, download Letters Testamentary. The court issues Letters Testamentary proving your executor authority. Download the PDF from your dashboard. Print multiple copies (typically 10-15 certified copies). These are what you show banks, investment firms, and insurance companies. You can usually order additional certified copies through the court if you need them later.

Step 15: If rejected, read the rejection reason and correct immediately. Rejection isn’t failure; it’s the system working correctly. You’ll see a specific reason: “Missing beneficiary information,” “Will copy illegible,” “Unsigned oath,” etc. Correct the issue (re-upload a clearer will, add the missing beneficiary, sign the oath) and resubmit. Resubmitted filings typically approve within 1-2 days.

Common Rejection Reasons and How to Prevent Them

Understanding why filings get rejected helps you avoid the same mistakes.

Incomplete beneficiary list is the most common rejection reason. The court cross-checks your beneficiary list against the will text. If you missed someone named in the will, the clerk rejects it. Solution: read the will line by line. Create a list before opening Odyssey. Compare your list to the will. Don’t skip contingent beneficiaries or organizations (charities, trusts).

Illegible will scan is the second most common. If your scanned will is fuzzy, pixelated, or hard to read, the clerk rejects it rather than guess at the text. Solution: scan at high resolution (300 dpi minimum). Ensure good lighting and stable phone/scanner position. Test the PDF on your device before uploading. If any text is blurry, rescan.

Missing or unsigned oath. Many AOC forms require you to sign under oath that the information is accurate. If you forget to sign or don’t properly initial the oath section, rejection happens. Solution: check the form instructions carefully. Sign all required places. Initial where indicated. Don’t miss a signature line.

Inconsistent decedent name across documents. If the will says “Robert James Smith” but the death certificate says “Robert J Smith” and you entered “Bob Smith” in the form, the inconsistency triggers rejection. Solution: use the full legal name exactly as it appears on the death certificate. Use the same name across all documents. If you’re unsure, call the clerk.

Missing asset or liability information. If you enter assets but forget liabilities (or vice versa), some forms reject. Solution: provide both asset and liability estimates. If you don’t know exact amounts, estimates are fine, but provide some information for each category.

Incorrect county selection. You must file in the county where the decedent lived at death, not where you live or where property is located. Filing in the wrong county triggers automatic rejection. Solution: verify decedent’s residential address at death. Confirm county before submitting.

Invalid file format. Odyssey requires PDFs. If you upload a Word document or image file instead of PDF, rejection happens. Solution: ensure all documents are PDF format before uploading. Scan to PDF, not to JPG.

Timeline: From Filing to Letters Testamentary

The entire process from filing to receiving Letters Testamentary typically takes 3-5 business days, with most approvals happening within 1-2 days.

Day 1 (Filing day): You submit AOC-E-201 and documents through Odyssey. System immediately confirms with case number and receipt. Status shows “Submitted.”

Days 2-3 (Under Review): Clerk reviews your filing. They check document completeness, verify beneficiary list against will, confirm executor information. Status shows “Under Review.”

Day 3-4 (Approval or Rejection): Clerk approves or rejects. If approved, Letters Testamentary generated and available for download. If rejected, you receive email with specific rejection reason.

If rejected (Day 4-7): You correct the issue and resubmit. Status returns to “Under Review” (1-2 days), then approved.

In Wake County (the most efficient), approval often happens same day or next morning. In rural counties, approval might take up to 5 business days. But the entire process is dramatically faster than the old paper-and-mail method (which took 2-3 weeks minimum).

After Approval: What You Do With Letters Testamentary

Once approved, you’ve got your Letters Testamentary. Now what?

Letters Testamentary is your official proof of executor authority. Financial institutions require it. Banks won’t let you access accounts without it. Insurance companies won’t process claims. Investment firms won’t change titles or transfer assets.

Download and print multiple copies. Odyssey lets you download the Letters PDF immediately. Print 10-15 copies. You can order additional certified copies from the court if you need more. Some institutions request certified copies specifically (harder to forge than photocopies), so it’s worth ordering a few extras from the court.

Present Letters when accessing assets. When you contact the decedent’s bank, you say: “I’m the executor. I need access to [account number].” They ask for Letters Testamentary. You email or deliver a copy. They verify and grant you access.

Keep originals safe. Store original printed Letters in a safe place (home safe, attorney’s office, or safety deposit box). Don’t lose them; you might need them months later when discovering another account.

Scan for your files. Keep a PDF copy in your document storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, attorney’s office). This makes it easy to email to institutions without hunting for the original.

Using Afterpath Alongside eCourts

eCourts handles the filing. But you still need to track probate deadlines, organize documents, and communicate with beneficiaries. This is where integrated tools help.

Afterpath generates your AOC-E-201 form with estate information pre-filled. Instead of manually filling the online form, you can export Afterpath’s form and use it as a reference, or generate the form directly and upload. The NC-specific deadline tracking reminds you of the 60-day will filing deadline, the 90-day creditor notice deadline, and all subsequent probate milestones. Document organization through Afterpath’s vault keeps all estate records in one searchable location. Beneficiary communication templates help you send professional status updates as the probate progresses.

eCourts and Afterpath work together: eCourts handles court filing and approval; Afterpath handles everything else.

Conclusion

NC eCourts filing through Odyssey is fast, straightforward, and foolproof if you follow the steps. Verify your county is operational. Create your account. Gather documents carefully. Upload cleanly. Submit. Wait 1-2 days. Download your Letters.

The entire process takes hours instead of weeks. Your approval comes quickly. Your probate moves forward immediately.

Most importantly: you avoid the mistakes that cost time and money. The system validates your entries before you submit, preventing rejections that delay everything.

Ready to file through eCourts? Download Afterpath’s eCourts Document Checklist (free PDF) to ensure you have all 7 items before opening your Odyssey account. Or try Afterpath’s free trial to generate your AOC-E-201 form pre-filled with your estate information, ready to upload to eCourts.

Questions about your county’s eCourts status? Chat with Angelo, our AI estate settlement guide, anytime. Or try Afterpath free for 14 days to see the entire probate process in one integrated system.