North Carolina Life Estate Deed Form

North Carolina life estate deed is a document that transfers real estate ownership while letting the transferor keep using the property for the rest of their life. This type of transfer avoids probate, meaning the property automatically passes to the recipient when the transferor dies. While living, the transferor retains the right to occupy, rent, and use the property as they choose.

North Carolina Life Estate Deed Form

North Carolina life estate deed is a document that transfers real estate ownership while letting the transferor keep using the property for the rest of their life. This type of transfer avoids probate, meaning the property automatically passes to the recipient when the transferor dies. While living, the transferor retains the right to occupy, rent, and use the property as they choose.

Last updated February 8th, 2025

North Carolina life estate deed is a document that transfers real estate ownership while letting the transferor keep using the property for the rest of their life. This type of transfer avoids probate, meaning the property automatically passes to the recipient when the transferor dies. While living, the transferor retains the right to occupy, rent, and use the property as they choose.

  1. Home »
  2. Deeds »
  3. North Carolina »
  4. Life Estate

Recording Details

  • Signing Requirements – The transferor (grantor) must get their signature notarized.[1]
  • Where to Record Register of Deeds[2]
  • Fees – $26 for the first 15 pages + $4 for each additional page (as of this writing)[3]

Formatting Requirements

Documents presented to the register of deeds for recording must meet the following requirements[4]:

  • Margins: 3″ at the top of the first page and 0.5″ on remaining margins and all sides
  • Font: Minimum of 9-point font
  • Paper:
    • 8.5″ x 11″ OR 8.5″ x 14″
    • White
  • Ink: Black

Life Estate Deed (Preview)