N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-17-6: Adverse claimant to be heard; procedure.

When the real property sought to be sold, or any interest therein, is claimed by another person, such claimant may be made a party to the proceeding, and in any event may become a party upon the claimant's own motion. When an issue of law or fact is joined between the parties, the procedure shall be as prescribed for other special proceedings. (1868-9, c. 113, ss. 46, 47; Code, ss. 1440, 1441; Rev., ss. 76, 78; C.S., ss. 81, 82; 1973, c. 1329, s. 3; 2011-344, s. 4.)