Guilford County Estate Probate Search

Guilford County probate court records are managed by the Clerk of Superior Court in Greensboro. The Estates Division handles wills, estate filings, guardianship papers, inventories, and all probate documents for the county. Guilford County is one of the largest counties in North Carolina, home to both Greensboro and High Point. The clerk's office processes a high volume of estate cases each year and maintains records going back many decades. Whether you need a recent filing or an older record, the Greensboro courthouse is the primary location for Guilford County probate court records.

Guilford County Probate Court Clerk

Lisa Johnson-Tonkins serves as the Clerk of Superior Court in Guilford County. As judge of probate, the clerk has exclusive original jurisdiction over the probate of wills and the administration of estates. This includes appointing personal representatives, auditing their accounts, and removing them from office when needed. The clerk also handles adoptions, incompetency proceedings, and foreclosures.

The main courthouse is at 201 S Eugene St in Greensboro. There is also a location at 505 E. Green Dr in High Point. The Estates Division can be reached at (336) 412-7575. Staff handle estate administration, guardianships, and special proceedings. The office is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM but closes for lunch from 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM.

Guilford County serves a large population across many cities and towns including Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, Pleasant Garden, Summerfield, and Oak Ridge. All probate matters for the county are filed at the Greensboro courthouse. The Estates Division processes hundreds of new cases each year and keeps all Guilford County probate court records on file.

Search Guilford County Probate Records

You can search for Guilford County probate court records online or in person. The NC eCourts portal at nccourts.gov offers free access to basic case information. Search by name or case number to find estate filings. The system shows filing dates, parties, and case status. Full documents and certified copies must be obtained from the clerk.

For an in-person search, visit the courthouse at 201 S Eugene St in Greensboro. Bring your ID. The Estates Division staff can look up cases by name or number. You may review the file and order copies. Keep in mind the lunch closure from 12:45 to 1:45 PM when planning your visit.

You can also access county government resources at guilfordcountync.gov for additional information about court services in Guilford County.

• Full name of the person who died
• Year the estate was opened or year of death
• Case number if available

Note: Guilford County handles a large volume of estate cases. Having specific information ready will help the staff locate your record faster.

Guilford County Estate Administration

The estate process in Guilford County begins when the executor or a family member brings a will and death certificate to the Estates Division. The clerk reviews the will and admits it to probate under N.C.G.S. Chapter 28A. The applicant files Form AOC-E-201 with an estates action cover sheet and detailed asset information.

The personal representative takes an oath and may need to post a bond. Once qualified, the clerk issues letters testamentary for testate estates or letters of administration for intestate estates. The representative must publish a Notice to Creditors in a newspaper that circulates in Guilford County. This notice runs for four consecutive weeks. Creditors then have three months to present claims against the estate.

The representative gathers assets, pays valid debts, handles any tax obligations, and distributes remaining property to the beneficiaries. A final account is filed with the clerk. All documents from start to finish become part of the Guilford County probate court records.

Guilford County Probate Fees

The filing fee to open an estate in Guilford County is $120. An estate administration fee of 0.4% of the gross estate value also applies, capped at $6,000. These fees are governed by N.C.G.S. 7A-307.

Common additional costs:

• Certified copies of letters: about $5 per copy
• Notice to Creditors publication: $50 to $150
• Surety bond premium: 0.5% to 1% of bond per year
• Attorney fees: 2% to 4% of estate value
• Executor compensation: up to 5% of receipts and disbursements

Call the Estates Division at (336) 412-7575 to confirm current fees before you file your Guilford County probate court records.

Small Estate Filings in Guilford County

Guilford County allows small estates to bypass full probate. Under N.C.G.S. 28A-25-1, if personal property totals $20,000 or less, an heir can file Form AOC-E-203B to collect assets with an affidavit. The limit is $30,000 for a surviving spouse who is the sole heir.

At least 30 days must pass after the death. Bring a certified death certificate, the affidavit form, your photo ID, and a detailed list of assets with values. The fee is $120. This works for bank accounts, vehicles, and similar personal items. Real estate cannot be transferred using this method.

Note: Given Guilford County's size, banks and institutions in the Greensboro and High Point area generally accept the small estate affidavit, but policies vary by institution.

Historical Guilford County Records

Guilford County was formed in 1771 from Rowan and Orange counties. Estate records from 1771 forward are maintained at the courthouse in Greensboro. The county's long history means there is a substantial collection of older wills, inventories, bonds, and estate accounts available for research.

The North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh holds microfilm of many early Guilford County probate records. These archives are open to the public and are a good resource for genealogy work. The Greensboro Public Library also has a strong local history and genealogy section that may help with older estate research. Guilford County's large population and deep roots in North Carolina history make it a rich source of probate court records for researchers.

Browse Nearby Counties

Guilford County is in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. Estates are filed where the deceased person lived. Confirm the correct county before searching for probate court records.