North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 30. Surviving Spouses § 30-27. Surviving spouse or child may apply for additional allowance

A surviving spouse or child may file an estate proceeding with the clerk of court seeking an award of additional allowance in excess of the amount allowed to the spouse or child under G.S. 30-15 or G.S. 30-17.  Any such proceeding must be filed within one year of the date of the decedent's death, except that if a personal representative was appointed for the decedent's estate, any such proceeding must be filed within six months after the issuance of letters testamentary or letters of administration.  Any proceeding under this section shall proceed as a contested estate proceeding under Article 2 of Chapter 28A of the General Statutes.