Onslow County Probate Guide: Filing in Jacksonville, NC

County Guides 19 min read

Settling an estate in NC? Afterpath guides you through probate step by step — $199 vs $10,000+ attorney fees.

If you’re reading this, someone important to you has passed away, and you’re now facing the task of settling their estate in Onslow County. Whether they were an active-duty Marine, a military retiree who made Jacksonville home, or a member of a family that has been in this area for generations, the probate process can feel overwhelming on top of everything else you’re dealing with. You shouldn’t have to become a legal expert during one of the hardest seasons of your life. This guide walks you through the entire Onslow County probate process step by step, from your first visit to the courthouse in Jacksonville to closing the estate, so you know exactly what to expect.

Afterpath provides North Carolina families with guided, step-by-step estate settlement tools, including an AI-powered Pathfinder assistant, NC-specific compliance tracking, document management, and task automation, helping executors navigate probate confidently without expensive attorney fees.

Onslow County at a Glance

Onslow County is located on the coast of eastern North Carolina, with a population of approximately 200,000 residents, making it one of the more populous counties in the state. The county seat is Jacksonville, and the defining presence in the community is Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, one of the largest Marine Corps installations in the world. Together with Marine Corps Air Station New River and the surrounding military infrastructure, the base shapes nearly every aspect of life in Onslow County, from demographics to economics to the types of estates that need to be settled.

Onslow County has one of the youngest average populations of any county in North Carolina, driven by the large number of active-duty military personnel and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune. But the county is also home to a substantial population of military retirees, civilian defense workers, and long-established families with roots in the coastal communities of Richlands, Swansboro, Holly Ridge, and Sneads Ferry. The beach communities along the Onslow County coastline, including North Topsail Beach, add another dimension to the area’s property landscape.

Estates in Onslow County vary significantly. Some involve young service members with relatively few assets but complex military benefit designations. Others involve retired military personnel with decades of accumulated benefits, investment accounts, and real estate. Civilian estates may include coastal property, agricultural land, or small business interests. Regardless of the estate’s size or type, the probate process follows the same fundamental steps under North Carolina law, and this guide covers all of them.

Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court

All probate and estate matters in Onslow County are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court. This is where you’ll file paperwork, qualify as executor or administrator, and submit your final accounting.

Courthouse Address: 625 Court St Jacksonville, NC 28540

Phone: (910) 455-3413

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Practical Tips for Your First Visit

Parking: Public parking is available around the Onslow County Courthouse in Jacksonville. The area can be busy during morning hours, so arriving before 9:00 AM often means an easier time finding a spot and a shorter wait inside.
What to bring: Your government-issued photo ID (military ID is acceptable), the original will (if one exists), a certified death certificate, and a list of heirs with their current mailing addresses. If heirs are active-duty military stationed elsewhere, include their duty station addresses. A rough inventory of the decedent’s assets and estimated values is helpful but not required for your first visit.
Wait times: Onslow County is a large, busy county, and the Clerk’s office handles a high volume of cases. Wait times of 30 minutes or more are common, especially early in the week. Calling ahead at (910) 455-3413 to confirm hours and ask about current wait times is recommended.
What to expect: The Clerk’s staff can tell you which forms to file, explain deadlines, and outline the basic process. Given the county’s military population, the staff is accustomed to working with military families navigating probate for the first time. However, they cannot provide legal advice. If the estate involves complex military benefits, contested provisions, coastal property issues, or family disputes across multiple duty stations, consulting a probate attorney in the Jacksonville area is advisable.

Filing Requirements and Fees in Onslow County

Onslow County uses North Carolina’s standardized AOC probate forms, the same set used in every county across the state. You do not need special Onslow County forms. For a complete forms reference, see our NC AOC forms guide.

Documents to Bring

The original will and any amendments (codicils)
A certified copy of the death certificate
A list of all heirs with current mailing addresses
A rough asset inventory with estimated values
Your government-issued photo ID (military ID accepted)

Filing Fees

Probate filing fees in North Carolina are set by state statute and based on the value of personal property in the estate:

Estates valued at $0 to $5,000: $60
Estates valued at $5,001 to $10,000: $90
Estates valued at $10,001 to $25,000: $130
Estates valued at $25,001 and above: $160
Summary Administration: $60
Annual Account filing: $10

Call the Clerk’s office at (910) 455-3413 to confirm accepted payment methods before your visit. For a broader look at all costs involved in settling an estate, see our probate cost guide.

The Small Estate Shortcut: When You Can Skip Formal Probate

Not every estate requires the full probate process. If the total value of personal property in the estate is $20,000 or less (or $30,000 or less if the surviving spouse is the sole heir), you may be able to use North Carolina’s Small Estate Affidavit (Form AOC-E-203B) instead of opening a formal probate case.

This simplified process allows you to collect the decedent’s assets by presenting the affidavit directly to banks, financial institutions, and other parties holding the assets. It is faster, less expensive, and requires no court appointment.

Important: The small estate affidavit applies only to personal property. It does not transfer real estate. If the decedent owned a home in Jacksonville, coastal property, or any other real property in Onslow County, you will likely need to open a formal estate to transfer the deed, unless the property was held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship or in a trust.

A note for young military families: The estates of younger service members sometimes qualify for the small estate process because the bulk of their financial assets (SGLI, TSP, survivor benefits) pass through beneficiary designations outside of probate. If the only probate assets are personal belongings, a vehicle, and a modest bank account, the small estate affidavit may be all you need.

For a detailed walkthrough, see our NC Small Estate Affidavit guide.

Afterpath’s Pathfinder AI assistant can help you determine whether the small estate affidavit applies to your situation in just a few minutes, so you don’t waste time on a formal process you may not need.

Step-by-Step Probate Process in Onslow County

Step 1: Determine Whether Full Probate Is Required

Before visiting the courthouse, take stock of what the decedent owned and how each asset was titled. Many assets pass automatically outside of probate and never need to go through the Clerk’s office:

Life insurance policies with a named beneficiary (including SGLI/VGLI)
Retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k), TSP, military pension) with designated beneficiaries
Bank accounts with payable-on-death (POD) designations
Real estate held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship
Assets held in a revocable living trust

In military families, a significant portion of the estate often passes through beneficiary designations rather than probate. Carefully reviewing all accounts and benefit designations before filing can save time and expense. Our starting probate guide walks through this assessment in detail.

Step 2: Open the Estate at the Courthouse

Visit the Onslow County Courthouse at 625 Court St in Jacksonville with the original will, a certified death certificate, and your identification. File Form AOC-E-201 (Application for Probate and Letters Testamentary) if there is a will, or the Application for Letters of Administration if there is no will.

Pay the applicable filing fee. The Clerk reviews the will for compliance with North Carolina’s execution requirements and opens the estate file, assigning it a unique file number.

Step 3: Qualify as Executor or Administrator

If you are named in the will as executor, you will qualify by appearing before the Clerk, signing the oath of office, and being formally appointed. If there is no will, or if the named executor declines or is unable to serve, the Clerk appoints an administrator. North Carolina law gives preference first to the surviving spouse, then to adult children, then to other heirs.

Once you qualify, the Clerk issues Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no will). These letters are your official authorization to act on behalf of the estate. You will need them to access bank accounts, communicate with financial institutions, manage property, and handle the estate’s affairs. Order several certified copies, as banks, insurance companies, the VA, DFAS, and government agencies will each require their own. For a full explanation, see our guide on Letters Testamentary in North Carolina.

Step 4: Publish the Creditor Notice

North Carolina law requires you to publish a Notice to Creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Onslow County. The Daily News (Jacksonville) is the primary newspaper used for publishing creditor notices in the county.

The notice must run once a week for four consecutive weeks. After the first publication, creditors have 90 days to file claims against the estate. You must also send direct written notice to all known creditors, including credit card companies, mortgage lenders, medical providers, and any other entities owed money. For step-by-step instructions, see our guide on how to publish a creditor notice in NC.

Use this waiting period productively. Compile a comprehensive list of debts and begin working on the estate inventory.

Step 5: File the Estate Inventory

Within three months of your qualification as executor or administrator, file Form AOC-E-505 (Inventory for Decedent’s Estate) with the Clerk. This inventory lists all estate assets at fair market value as of the date of death.

Include real property, financial accounts, vehicles, personal property, and any other assets. For coastal property in Onslow County, including homes in North Topsail Beach, Swansboro, or Sneads Ferry, a professional appraisal from someone familiar with the coastal NC real estate market is strongly recommended. Afterpath’s Task Management system tracks this deadline automatically and walks you through building your inventory step by step.

Step 6: Pay Debts and Taxes

Before distributing anything to beneficiaries, you must pay all valid creditor claims, administrative expenses, and applicable taxes. North Carolina does not have a state estate tax, but the federal estate tax applies to estates above the applicable exemption amount.

File the decedent’s final individual income tax return. If the estate earns income during administration (interest, dividends, rental income), you may also need to file Form 1041 (estate income tax return). A CPA with estate experience can be especially helpful here.

Step 7: Distribute Assets to Beneficiaries

After all debts and taxes are satisfied, distribute the remaining assets according to the will. If there is no will, North Carolina’s intestacy statutes determine who receives what and in what proportion. Get a signed receipt from each beneficiary at the time of distribution. These receipts are essential documentation for your final accounting.

In military families, beneficiaries are sometimes stationed at different bases around the world. Plan for distribution logistics accordingly, and consider using certified mail or secure electronic transfers where possible.

Step 8: File the Final Accounting and Close the Estate

Submit the final account to the Onslow County Clerk. This document shows every dollar that came into the estate, every dollar that went out, and every distribution made to beneficiaries. Once the Clerk approves your accounting, the estate is officially closed.

Typical straightforward estates in Onslow County close in six to twelve months. The creditor waiting period alone takes a minimum of four months from the first publication date. For a detailed breakdown, see our NC probate timeline guide.

Special Considerations for Onslow County Estates

Military-Connected Estates

With Camp Lejeune as the county’s dominant institution, military estate matters are exceptionally common in Onslow County. Whether the decedent was an active-duty Marine, a Navy Corpsman, a retired service member, or a civilian employee of the base, there are military-specific considerations that run parallel to the probate process.

For active-duty deaths:

Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO): If the death occurred while the service member was on active duty, the military assigns a CACO to help the family navigate benefits. This officer can be an invaluable resource for understanding what benefits are available and how to claim them.
SGLI (Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance): SGLI provides up to $500,000 in life insurance and pays directly to the named beneficiary outside of probate. Claims are filed through the VA.
Death Gratuity: The military pays a $100,000 death gratuity to the designated beneficiary of an active-duty service member who dies in the line of duty. This is paid rapidly and does not go through probate.
Unpaid pay and allowances: Any pay and allowances owed at the time of death are paid to the designated beneficiary or, if none, to the surviving spouse.

For military retirees:

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): Notify DFAS immediately. If the decedent was enrolled in SBP, the surviving spouse or other designated beneficiary may be entitled to continued monthly payments.
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected conditions may qualify for monthly DIC payments.
TRICARE: A surviving spouse’s TRICARE eligibility depends on their status and circumstances. Contact TRICARE promptly to understand continued coverage.
Commissary and exchange privileges: These may continue for surviving spouses; check with the Camp Lejeune ID card office.

For all military-connected estates:

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): TSP has its own beneficiary designation that supersedes the will. Contact TSP directly.
VA burial benefits: Veterans and eligible service members may receive burial benefits, including burial in a national cemetery, a headstone or marker, and a burial allowance.

Coastal Property Considerations

Onslow County includes significant coastal frontage along the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. If the estate includes beachfront property, waterfront homes, or undeveloped coastal land, special considerations apply:

Flood insurance: Verify whether the property has active flood insurance and notify the insurer of the death. Maintain coverage during the estate settlement period.
CAMA permits: Properties in the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) jurisdiction may have specific permitting requirements for any modifications or repairs. This can affect both valuation and saleability.
Erosion and storm damage: Coastal properties are subject to erosion and hurricane damage. The property’s condition at the date of death determines its value for the inventory, and any pending insurance claims become assets of the estate.
Rental income: Many coastal properties in Onslow County generate vacation rental income. If the property was being rented, you will need to manage existing reservations, honor rental agreements, and account for rental income during the estate period.

PCS and Relocation Complications

Military families move frequently, and this can create complications for estate settlement. Common issues include:

Legal residence vs. duty station: The decedent’s legal residence (domicile) determines where probate is filed, which may differ from their duty station. If a Marine was stationed at Camp Lejeune but maintained legal residence in another state, probate would be filed in that state, not in Onslow County.
Property in multiple states: Military families often own property in multiple states due to PCS moves. Each state’s real property will require its own probate or ancillary probate proceeding.
Scattered records: Frequent moves can mean important documents are in storage, at a previous address, or with a family member in another state.

Local Resources for Onslow County Estates

Onslow County Register of Deeds handles real property records. Deeds transferring real estate from the estate to heirs or buyers are filed here.

Legal Aid of North Carolina serves qualifying Onslow County residents with free legal assistance for those who meet income eligibility requirements.

The Daily News (Jacksonville) is the primary newspaper for publishing legal notices, including the creditor notice required during probate.

Camp Lejeune Legal Services Support Section provides free legal assistance to active-duty Marines, Sailors, retirees, and eligible dependents. They can help with wills, powers of attorney, and guidance on military-specific estate issues. This is often the first resource military families should contact.

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Personal Financial Management offers counseling and resources that can help surviving military spouses understand their financial situation and benefits.

Practical Tips:

If the decedent was active duty, the Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) is your primary point of contact for military benefits coordination. Lean on them heavily; that is exactly what they are there for.
Order at least twelve certified death certificates. Military families typically need more copies than average because of the number of separate agencies (VA, DFAS, TSP, SGLI, base housing, TRICARE) that each require originals. See our guide on how many death certificates you need.
If the decedent’s legal residence was Onslow County (as opposed to another state where they maintained domicile), probate will be filed here. Many military members claim North Carolina as their home state for tax purposes, making Onslow County the correct venue.
If the decedent owned property in multiple NC counties or multiple states, you will handle primary probate in the county of legal residence and may need ancillary proceedings elsewhere.

How Afterpath Helps Onslow County Executors

Settling an estate while grieving is one of the hardest things a person can be asked to do. The average estate takes over 570 hours of work spread across 16 months, and that is if nothing goes wrong. For military families dealing with the added complexity of coordinating military benefits alongside probate, the burden can be even heavier. Afterpath was built to lighten that load for North Carolina families.

Pathfinder, Afterpath’s AI-powered guide, answers your questions about the Onslow County probate process any time of day or night. Whether you need to know what form to file next, how to handle a creditor claim, or what the three-month inventory deadline means for you, Pathfinder provides practical, North Carolina-specific guidance instantly.

The NC Compliance Engine tracks every deadline and requirement specific to your estate. It generates a tailored checklist for your Onslow County filing and alerts you before deadlines approach, so you never miss a filing window that could create legal liability.

Afterpath’s Document Vault keeps all your estate records organized in one secure place. From the original will and death certificates to creditor notices and signed distribution receipts, everything is easy to find when you need it, and easy to share with co-executors, attorneys, or beneficiaries stationed elsewhere.

The Task Management system turns the entire probate process into a clear, sequenced list of actions with deadlines. Instead of holding dozens of responsibilities in your head while you are also grieving, Afterpath tracks your progress and tells you exactly what to do next.

And if you need professional help along the way, Afterpath’s Professional Marketplace connects you with vetted probate attorneys, CPAs, and appraisers in the Onslow County area, so you can get expert assistance without overpaying. Full-service probate attorneys typically charge $10,000 to $12,000. Afterpath gives you the guidance and tools to handle the process for $199.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does probate take in Onslow County? Most straightforward estates close within six to twelve months. The mandatory creditor notice period alone takes at least four months. Estates involving contested wills, complex military benefits, coastal property, or family disputes can take significantly longer.

Do I need an attorney to probate an estate in Onslow County? North Carolina does not require legal representation for probate. Many executors handle the process independently using tools like Afterpath. For estates with contested provisions, complex military survivor benefits, coastal property issues, or family conflict, a probate attorney in the Jacksonville area is worth considering. Active-duty families should also check with the Camp Lejeune Legal Services office for free guidance.

What if the estate is worth less than $20,000? You may be able to use the Small Estate Affidavit (Form AOC-E-203B) to collect assets without opening a formal probate case. This threshold increases to $30,000 if the surviving spouse is the sole heir. This option is particularly relevant for younger military families where most assets pass through beneficiary designations.

Where do I publish the creditor notice for an Onslow County estate? The Daily News (Jacksonville) is the most commonly used newspaper for publishing creditor notices in Onslow County. The notice must run once a week for four consecutive weeks.

The decedent was active duty. Where do I start? Start by working with your Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO), who will guide you through military benefits. For the probate side, visit the Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court at 625 Court St in Jacksonville. Many military benefits (SGLI, TSP, SBP, death gratuity) pass outside of probate through beneficiary designations, but you may still need probate for other assets.

What if the decedent was stationed at Camp Lejeune but their legal residence was another state? Probate is filed in the county and state where the decedent maintained legal residence (domicile), not necessarily where they were stationed. If their legal residence was another state, you will need to file probate there. Many service members do claim North Carolina as their domicile, so check their state of legal residence carefully.

What if I live outside Onslow County but the decedent lived there? Probate is filed in the county where the decedent was a legal resident at the time of death. Even if you live elsewhere in North Carolina or out of state, you will file with the Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court.

Can Afterpath help with my Onslow County estate? Yes. Afterpath is purpose-built for North Carolina estates. Pathfinder, the NC Compliance Engine, the Document Vault, and the Task Management system all support Onslow County executors through every phase of the process, from opening the estate to filing the final accounting.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Probate in Onslow County follows a clear, defined process. But knowing the steps and actually managing them while you are grieving are two very different things. The paperwork, the deadlines, the decisions, coordinating with military agencies, managing coastal property, it adds up fast. And if you are a military spouse who may also be facing a PCS move or other life transitions, the weight can feel impossible.

Afterpath exists to carry that weight with you. Pathfinder is available whenever you have a question. The NC Compliance Engine keeps your deadlines in order. The Document Vault organizes your records. And the Task Management system tells you exactly what to do next, so you can focus on what matters most: taking care of yourself and your family.

Get started with Afterpath today and take the first step toward settling your loved one’s estate with confidence and clarity.

For additional resources, see our complete NC probate guide or browse our NC probate court locations to find other county courthouses across the state.

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