§ 28A-20-2.  Compelling the inventory.

(a) If the inventory specified in G.S. 28A-20-1 is not filed as prescribed, the clerk of superior court must issue an order requiring the personal representative or collector to file it within the time specified in the order, not less than 20 days, or to show cause why the personal representative or collector should not be removed from office. If, after due service of the order, the personal representative or collector does not on or before the return day of the order file such inventory or obtain further time in which to file it, the clerk may remove the personal representative or collector from office or may issue an attachment against the personal representative or collector for a contempt and commit the personal representative or collector until the personal representative or collector files said inventory report.

(b) The personal representative or collector shall be personally liable for the costs of any proceeding incident to the personal representative's or collector's failure to file the inventory required by G.S. 28A-20-1. Such costs shall be taxed against the personal representative or collector by the clerk of superior court and may be collected by deduction from any commissions which may be found due the personal representative or collector upon final settlement of the estate. (1868-9, c. 113, s. 9; Code, s. 1397; Rev., s. 43; C.S., s. 49; 1929, c. 9, s. 1; 1933, c. 100; 1973, c. 1329, s. 3; 2011-344, s. 4.)