§ 28A-12-4. When public administrator shall apply for letters. - North Carolina Statutes

§28A‑12‑4.  When public administrator shall apply for letters.

The public administrator shallapply for and may, with the  approval of the clerk of superior court, obtainletters on the estates of decedents when:

(1)        It is brought to hisattention that a period of six months has  elapsed from the death of anydecedent who has died owning property, and no letters testamentary, or lettersof administration or collection, have been applied for or issued to any person;or

(2)        Any person withoutknown heirs shall die intestate owning property; or

(3)        Any person entitledto apply for letters of administration shall, in writing, request the clerk toissue letters to the  public administrator as provided in G.S. 28A‑5‑2(c).(1868‑9, c. 113, s. 6; Code, s. 1394; Rev., s. 20; C.S., s. 20;1973, c. 1329, s. 3.)