N.C. Gen. Stat. § 43-17.3
Answer by person claiming interest.
§ 43-17.3. Answer by person claiming interest.
Any person asserting a claim or any interest in such registered land may, at any time prior to the hearing provided for in G.S. 43-17.4, file such answer or other pleadings as may be proper, asserting his rights or claims to the property referred to in the petition.