On November 1, 2025, legislative changes to North Carolina adult protective services (APS) law take effect pursuant to Session Law 2025-27, Part V. There are three primary changes reflected in two new statutes, G.S. 108A-106.1 and -106.2.

1. Magistrates are authorized to accept for filing petitions for the provision of emergency services to disabled adults when the clerk’s office is closed and the petitioner requests the court enter an ex parte emergency services order. S. 108A-106.1.
2. Certain “Authorized Magistrates” (defined below) may hear petitions for the provision of emergency services to disabled adults and enter ex parte emergency services orders. G.S. 108A-106.2(a), (b).
3. District court judges and Authorized Magistrates may authorize ex parte emergency services orders telephonically under certain circumstances. G.S. 108A-106.2(c).

This post explains each of these legislative changes in greater detail.