N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-19-4: Payment of claims and charges.

As soon as the personal representative or collector is possessed of sufficient means over and above the other costs of administration, the personal representative or collector shall pay the year's allowances in the amounts and in the manner prescribed in G.S. 30-15 to 30-33. Prior to the date specified in the general notice to creditors as provided for in G.S. 28A-14-1, the personal representative or collector may pay such other claims and charges as the personal representative or collector deems in the best interest of the estate if the total assets are sufficient to pay all claims and charges against the estate. (1973, c. 1329, s. 3; 1977, c. 446, s. 1; 2011-344, s. 4.)