North Carolina Life Estate Deed Form

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North Carolina Life Estate Deed Form

A North Carolina life estate deed is a document that transfers real estate ownership but enables the transferor to use the property until they die. Upon the transferor’s death, the title would pass to a designated recipient (called the “remainderman”) without going through probate. While living, the transferor retains the right to occupy, rent, and use the property as they choose.

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Last updated March 6th, 2025

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A North Carolina life estate deed is a document that transfers real estate ownership but enables the transferor to use the property until they die. Upon the transferor’s death, the title would pass to a designated recipient (called the “remainderman”) without going through probate. While living, the transferor retains the right to occupy, rent, and use the property as they choose.

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Drafting the Deed

North Carolina deeds must be drafted to comply with the following requirements:

  1. Paper size must be 8.5″ by 11″ OR 8.5″ by 14.”[1]
  2. Deeds require a 3″ margin on top of the first page and a 0.5″ margin on top of all subsequent pages and on all sides and bottoms.[2]
  3. Must be typed in black ink on white paper using no less than 9-point font.[3]
  4. The signature of the grantor must be notarized.[4]

Recording the Deed

After drafting and notarizing the deed, it must be taken to the Register of Deeds for recording.[5] Recording fees vary depending on the number of pages. To date, the fees are $26 for the first 15 pages plus $4 for each additional page.[6]

Life Estate Deed (Preview)

Sources

  1. § 161-14(b)(1)
  2. § 161-14(b)(2)
  3. § 161-14(b)(3)
  4. § 47-17
  5. § 47H-2(d)
  6. § 161-10(a)(1)