Overview
Gaston County is located west of Charlotte in the Charlotte metro area, with Gastonia as its county seat. The Clerk of Superior Court handles all estate matters in Gaston County, including the probate of wills, appointment of personal representatives, and estate administration oversight.
Standard NC probate pathways apply: common form and solemn form probate, administration for intestate estates, and Collection by Affidavit for qualifying small estates.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Gaston County probate process. It is not legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Clerk or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court — Estate Division
Address: 325 North Marietta Street, Gastonia, NC 28052
Phone: (704) 852-3100
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Walk-in filings accepted during business hours.
Parking and Access
Free parking available near the courthouse in downtown Gastonia.
Filing Process
Step 1: Choose Filing Path
- Common Form Probate (AOC-E-201): File will without hearing.
- Solemn Form (AOC-E-304): Notice and hearing, immediately final.
- Administration (AOC-E-201): For intestate estates.
- Collection by Affidavit (AOC-E-203B): For estates under $20,000/$30,000.
Step 2: Prepare and File
Bring original will, death certificate, AOC form, heir list, and filing fee.
Step 3: Publish and Administer
Publish Notice to Creditors for four weeks, file inventory, pay claims, distribute assets, file Final Account.
Local Requirements
Gaston County-Specific Procedures
- Original wills required.
- Bond required unless waived.
- Publication in The Gaston Gazette or other county newspaper.
- Inventory due within 90 days.
- Year's Allowance: $60,000 (AOC-E-100).
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees
- Probate / Administration: approximately $120
- Certified copies: approximately $5
- Publication: $50-$100
- Bond premium: varies
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex estates: 18 months to several years
Local Resources
Gaston County Resources
- Gaston County Clerk: gastoncounty.org
- NC AOC Forms: nccourts.gov/documents/forms
Legal Aid
- Legal Aid of North Carolina: (866) 219-5262
- NC State Bar: ncbar.gov
Publication
- The Gaston Gazette: Used for legal notices in Gaston County