NC H926

Clarifies that personal representatives may pay underlying debt secured by encumbered assets and allows conveyance of encumbered assets to creditors without increasing the distributee's share unless expressly entitled to exoneration.

Modifies jurisdiction and venue rules for guardianship proceedings to reference Article 2 of Chapter 35B and specifies that if a clerk has a conflict of interest, a superior court judge shall assume jurisdiction.

Increases surviving spouse's allowance from estate personal property to $60,000 for one year of support after the decedent's death, with eligibility if either spouse was a North Carolina resident at death.

Removes statute of limitations restrictions for actions to reform, terminate, or modify trusts under G.S. 36C-4-410 through 36C-4-416, allowing such actions to be commenced at any time.

Authorizes modifications or reformations of noncharitable irrevocable trusts to include provisions for removal and replacement of trustees by beneficiaries or other persons, contingent on court approval and material purpose analysis.