NC eCourts Guide & File: How to File Probate Online in North Carolina

Filing probate documents has traditionally been a time-consuming process, one that required multiple trips to your local courthouse, long wait times, and plenty of paperwork. But North Carolina has modernized this experience. The NC eCourts system (powered by the Odyssey platform) now allows executors, administrators, and their attorneys to file probate documents electronically from anywhere, at any time.

The challenge? Many people don’t know eCourts exists, and for those who do, navigating the system can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about NC eCourts, how to file probate documents online, and how tools like Afterpath simplify the entire process, from form generation to eCourts submission.

What Is NC eCourts?

NC eCourts is North Carolina’s electronic filing system for the state court system. Built on Odyssey technology, it enables authorized users to submit court documents digitally rather than in person. This modern system has transformed how probate cases are managed across the state.

Key Benefits of NC eCourts for Probate Filing

• File from home or office: No need to visit the courthouse in person
• 24/7 availability: Submit documents anytime, even outside business hours
• Faster processing: Electronic filings are processed more quickly than paper submissions
• Document tracking: Monitor the status of your filings in real-time
• Reduced errors: The system guides you through required fields and formats
• Cost savings: No printing, copying, or travel expenses
• Environmental impact: Digital filing reduces paper waste

These benefits make probate administration significantly less burdensome, especially for out-of-state executors or those managing multiple estates.

Which North Carolina Counties Have eCourts?

As of 2025, NC eCourts (Odyssey system) is available in the vast majority of North Carolina counties. The rollout has been statewide, though individual counties may have slightly different implementation timelines and features.

eCourts is available in all 100 North Carolina counties, including major jurisdictions like:

• Mecklenburg County (Charlotte)
• Wake County (Raleigh)
• Guilford County (Greensboro)
• Forsyth County (Winston-Salem)
• Durham County (Durham)
• Orange County (Chapel Hill)
• Buncombe County (Asheville)

If you’re unsure whether your specific county participates, you can verify by visiting the North Carolina Judicial Branch website or contacting your local probate clerk’s office directly.

Getting Started: How to Register for NC eCourts

Before you can file a single probate document, you’ll need to register as an eCourts user. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Determine Your User Type

NC eCourts has different registration pathways depending on your role:

• Attorneys: If you’re a licensed North Carolina attorney, you’ll use your State Bar number
• Pro se filers (self-represented): You can register as an individual filer
• Authorized representatives: Those with court authorization may register under specific roles

Step 2: Visit the NC eCourts Portal

Go to the official North Carolina eCourts portal. The main dashboard will display login options and registration links.

Step 3: Complete Registration

• Create a unique username and strong password
• Verify your email address
• Provide required identification information
• Accept the NC eCourts User Agreement and Terms of Service
• Set up security questions for account recovery

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

Depending on your user type, you may need to submit:

• Bar license number (if attorney)
• Government-issued ID
• Proof of authorization (if applicable)

Verification typically takes 1-3 business days.

Step 5: Obtain Electronic Signature Capability

To file documents electronically, you’ll need electronic signature authorization. This involves:

• Creating or importing a digital signature certificate
• Using NC eCourts’ built-in esignature tool
• Following your county’s specific esignature protocol

Once verified, you’re ready to begin filing.

How to File Probate Documents Online in NC eCourts

Once you’re registered, the actual filing process is straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:

Understanding Probate Document Types

Probate filings in NC include documents such as:

• Petition to Probate Will and Issue Letters Testamentary (testate estate)
• Petition to Issue Letters of Administration (intestate estate)
• Inventory and Appraisement (IRS Form 706 for estates over the exemption)
• Accountings (annual or final estate accounting)
• Petition for Distribution (distributing estate assets)
• Supplemental Petition (if estate assets are later discovered)
• Notice of Probate (notification to interested parties)

The eCourts Filing Workflow

1. Access Your Estate File Log into NC eCourts and locate your estate case number. If this is a new probate filing, you may need to create a new case first. Your probate clerk can assign a case number when you initiate the estate.

2. Select the Correct Document Type eCourts presents menu options for each document category. Choose the document type that matches your filing. The system will guide you to the appropriate form.

3. Complete Required Fields Fill in all mandatory fields:

• Decedent’s name and information
• Executor/Administrator details
• Estate value (if applicable)
• Witness information
• Court jurisdiction and case number

The system will flag any incomplete or incorrectly formatted fields in red.

4. Upload Supporting Documentation Attach required documents such as:

• Original will (if testate)
• Death certificate
• Inventory and appraisement
• Tax returns
• Family tree or genealogy chart

Acceptable file formats typically include PDF, DOCX, and JPG.

5. Review and E-Sign Before submission, carefully review all entries. Then apply your electronic signature. The system generates a time stamp and official filing confirmation.

6. Submit for Filing Click “Submit to Clerk” or “File with Court.” The system processes your submission and generates a filing receipt with a confirmation number.

7. Track Filing Status Use your eCourts account to monitor document status. You’ll see notifications when:

• Clerk accepts your filing
• Clerk requests corrections or additional information
• Documents are officially filed

Common Errors to Avoid When Filing NC Probate Online

Even with a user-friendly system, mistakes happen. Here are the most common filing errors and how to prevent them:

Error #1: Incomplete Estate Information

What happens: Clerk rejects your filing and requests additional information.

Prevention: Before filing, ensure you have:

• Full legal name of the decedent (as it appears on will/death certificate)
• Decedent’s date of death
• County where decedent was domiciled at death
• Complete list of heirs and beneficiaries (if required)

Error #2: Incorrect Document Format

What happens: eCourts system won’t accept your PDF or document file.

Prevention:

• Convert documents to standard PDF format
• Ensure file sizes are under eCourts limits (typically 25 MB per document)
• Remove encryption or password protection before uploading
• Use eCourts-generated forms rather than external templates when possible

Error #3: Missing Required Signatures or Attestation

What happens: Clerk returns documents unsigned or improperly attested.

Prevention:

• Understand signature requirements for each document type
• Know whether witness attestation is required
• Use the eCourts esignature tool correctly
• Have witnesses sign in the proper order
• Don’t submit documents without all required signatures

Error #4: Filing in the Wrong County

What happens: Probate filed in wrong jurisdiction; case dismissed or transferred.

Prevention:

• File in the county where the decedent was domiciled at death
• If real property exists in another county, handle ancillary probate separately
• Verify correct probate division/clerk contact before submission

Error #5: Missing Exhibits or Attachments

What happens: Incomplete filing; clerk requests re-submission with missing documents.

Prevention:

• Create a checklist of required attachments for your document type
• Verify eCourts acknowledges all uploads before final submission
• Keep copies of everything you file

Error #6: Deadline Misses

What happens: Late filings may incur penalties, fines, or case dismissal.

Prevention:

• Know critical probate deadlines (typically 30 days to file inventory)
• Set calendar reminders in eCourts or your personal calendar
• Plan submissions with buffer time before deadlines
• Contact the clerk’s office if you need deadline extensions

How Afterpath Simplifies NC eCourts Filing

While the NC eCourts system is powerful, the real advantage comes when you use specialized tools like Afterpath that integrate directly with the platform. Here’s why Afterpath stands out:

Integration #1: eCourts-Native Form Generation

Afterpath generates all probate forms in eCourts-compatible PDF format. Rather than struggling with MS Word templates or using outdated forms, you get documents pre-formatted to meet NC eCourts specifications. The system automatically:

• Adjusts margins and font sizes for eCourts acceptance
• Includes proper formatting for electronic signatures
• Eliminates incompatible elements that cause rejection
• Updates forms to reflect current NC probate law

This means your documents are ready for eCourts submission immediately, no reformatting, no guessing, no rejected filings.

Integration #2: Step-by-Step eCourts Registration Guidance

Afterpath provides guided walkthroughs for eCourts registration, including video tutorials and live support from staff like Pathfinder. Rather than navigating the portal alone, you get:

• Clear instructions on creating your eCourts account
• Screenshots and step-by-step visuals
• Troubleshooting help if registration stalls
• Verification support if the system requests additional information
• Password reset and account recovery assistance

For first-time eCourts users, this guidance is invaluable.

Integration #3: Direct eCourts Filing Workflow Integration

Afterpath doesn’t just generate documents, it integrates with your actual eCourts filing process. After generating your probate documents in Afterpath, you can:

• Access documents with eCourts-ready formatting
• Use Afterpath’s integrated eCourts portal link
• Follow Afterpath’s filing checklist alongside eCourts requirements
• Maintain a document timeline within your Afterpath dashboard

This seamless integration eliminates the disconnect between document preparation and actual filing.

Integration #4: Filing Status Tracking and Acceptance Verification

Afterpath tracks which documents have been submitted to eCourts and monitors their status. The system maintains records showing:

• Submission date and time (per eCourts confirmation)
• Clerk acceptance or rejection status
• Any corrections requested by the probate clerk
• Official filing dates once documents are accepted

This creates an accountability audit trail that’s essential for estate administration. You’ll never wonder, “Did my filing actually go through?” because Afterpath confirms it for you.

Why People Choose Afterpath for NC Probate

Beyond eCourts integration, Afterpath offers additional advantages that make probate administration less stressful:

Complete Document Library: Afterpath generates all NC probate documents, not just eCourts-filed ones. You get forms for Notice of Probate, petitions, accountings, and distributions in a single platform.

Automatic Deadline Tracking: The system reminds you of critical probate deadlines so you never miss filing windows.

Cost Transparency: You know exactly what you’re spending on legal documents and can compare Afterpath’s costs versus hiring an attorney.

Guided Probate Workflow: Beyond eCourts, Afterpath walks you through the entire probate process, from initial filing through distribution.

Compliance Assurance: Every document is checked against current NC probate law before you file.

Getting Started with NC eCourts and Afterpath

Here’s your action plan:

1. Register for NC eCourts using the steps outlined above (or use Afterpath’s guided registration)
2. Gather estate documents (will, death certificate, asset inventory)
3. Log into Afterpath and select “File Probate Online in NC”
4. Answer guided questions about your estate and the decedent
5. Review generated documents for accuracy
6. File through eCourts using Afterpath’s integrated workflow
7. Monitor status through both eCourts and Afterpath’s tracking system

The entire process, from registration to filing, typically takes 1-2 hours with Afterpath’s guidance.

Final Thoughts: Digital Probate is Here

North Carolina’s eCourts system represents a major modernization in how estates are administered. No longer do executors need to take time off work to visit the courthouse or hire an attorney just to file basic probate documents. Digital filing is faster, cheaper, and more convenient.

But as with any government system, knowing how to navigate it effectively makes all the difference. Whether you’re filing your first probate case or your twentieth, understanding eCourts requirements and having the right tools, like Afterpath, ensures your filings are accepted on the first submission, keeping your estate administration on schedule.

The future of probate is digital. NC eCourts is ready. Are you?

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Ready to file probate online in North Carolina? Start with Afterpath’s eCourts-integrated probate filing system and get your documents accepted by the clerk on the first try. No courthouse visits required.