(a) If proceedings are commenced in more than one county or if upon commencement of a proceeding a question arises as to the proper county of venue, or if for any other reason a delay arises in determining venue, the matter shall be referred by the clerk of superior court for a hearing and determination by the senior resident superior court judge or any judge assigned to hold the superior courts of the district which includes the county where the proceedings were first commenced. Upon the filing of a motion or petition to determine venue, the judge shall determine which is the proper county for administration of the estate and stay proceedings in all other counties. The judge shall make such orders as are necessary to transfer the entire proceedings to the proper county. The clerk of superior court of each county in which proceedings are stayed shall retain a true copy of the entire file and transmit the original to the clerk of superior court of such county as the judge directs.

(a1) Any interested person may file a petition to determine proper venue within the time prescribed by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-3-5. The matter shall be referred by the clerk of superior court by or before whom the petition is filed for a hearing and determination by the senior resident superior court judge or any judge assigned to hold the superior courts of the district that includes the county where the proceedings were first commenced.

(b) A proceeding shall be deemed commenced by the offering of a will for probate or by applying for letters of administration as provided by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-6-1 through 28A-6-5 or by applying for letters of collection as provided by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-11-1 through 28A-11-4 and the proceeding first legally commenced shall extend to all of the property or assets of the decedent in this State. (1973, c. 1329, s. 3; 1975, c. 19, s. 7; 2011-344, s. 4.)