Overview
Guilford County is one of the most populous counties in North Carolina, home to Greensboro, High Point, and surrounding communities. The Clerk of Superior Court handles all estate matters in Guilford County, including the probate of wills, appointment of personal representatives, and estate administration oversight.
Guilford County residents have access to the full range of North Carolina probate options: common form and solemn form probate for testate estates, administration for intestate estates, and Collection by Affidavit for small estates valued at $20,000 or less ($30,000 if the surviving spouse is sole heir).
The Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court maintains offices in both Greensboro and High Point. Estate filings are handled at the Greensboro location.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Guilford County probate process. It is not legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Clerk or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court — Estate Division
Address: 201 South Eugene Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone: (336) 412-7500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The estate division handles probate filings, appointment of personal representatives, and estate oversight. Walk-in filings are accepted during business hours.
Parking and Access
Metered parking and parking decks are available near the courthouse in downtown Greensboro. The courthouse is served by GTA bus routes. Security screening is required at entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Choose the Filing Path
- Common Form Probate (AOC-E-201): File the will without a hearing. Subject to challenge for three years.
- Solemn Form Probate (AOC-E-304): File with notice and hearing. Immediately final.
- Administration — Intestate (AOC-E-201): Petition for appointment as administrator.
- Collection by Affidavit (AOC-E-203B): For small estates under $20,000 ($30,000 for surviving spouse).
Step 2: Gather Documents
- Original will (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Completed AOC form
- List of heirs
- Filing fee
Step 3: File with the Clerk
Present documents to the Guilford County Estate Division in Greensboro. The Clerk administers the oath and issues Letters.
Step 4: Publish Notice to Creditors
Publish Notice to Creditors (AOC-E-307) once per week for four weeks in a Guilford County newspaper. Creditors have 90 days to file claims.
Step 5: Administer and Close
File the 90-Day Inventory, pay claims, manage assets, file taxes, distribute to beneficiaries, and file a Final Account.
Local Requirements
Guilford County-Specific Procedures
- Filing location: Estate Division at 201 South Eugene Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. Estate filings are handled at the Greensboro courthouse, not the High Point division.
- Original wills required.
- Bond: Required unless waived by will or heir consent.
- Publication: The Greensboro News & Record and the High Point Enterprise are commonly used for Notice to Creditors.
- Inventory: Due within 90 days of qualification.
Year's Allowance
$60,000 to the surviving spouse or minor children, with priority over creditor claims. Filed on AOC-E-100.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Guilford County)
- Probate / Administration filing: approximately $120
- Certified copies: approximately $5 per copy
- Publication: approximately $50-$150
- Bond premium: varies
Contact (336) 412-7500 for the current fee schedule.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex estates: 18 months to several years
Local Resources
Guilford County Resources
- Guilford County Clerk: guilfordcountync.gov
- NC AOC Estate Forms: nccourts.gov/documents/forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Legal Aid of North Carolina: (866) 219-5262
- Greensboro Bar Association: (336) 378-0300
- NC State Bar Find a Lawyer: ncbar.gov
Publication
- Greensboro News & Record: Commonly used for legal notices in Guilford County
- High Point Enterprise: Alternative publication for the High Point area