N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-22: Action on behalf of an incompetent.

A duly appointed agent who has the power to sue and defend civil actions on behalf of an incompetent spouse and who has been appointed pursuant to a durable power of attorney executed in accordance with Chapter 32C of the General Statutes, a guardian appointed in accordance with Chapter 35A of the General Statutes, or a guardian ad litem appointed in accordance with G.S. 1A-1, Rules 17 and 25(b), may commence, defend, maintain, arbitrate, mediate, or settle any action authorized by this Chapter on behalf of an incompetent spouse. However, only a competent spouse may commence an action for absolute divorce. (1991, c. 610, s. 1; 2009-224, s. 1; 2017-153, s. 2.4.)