N.C. Gen. Stat. § 59-1005

Such action shall not be discontinued, dismissed, compromised or settled without the approval of the court. If the court shall determine that the interest of the partners or of the creditors of the partnership will be substantially affected by such discontinuance, dismissal, compromise, or settlement, the court, in its discretion, may direct that notice, by publication or otherwise, shall be given to such partners or creditors whose interest it determines will be so affected. If notice is so directed to be given, the court may determine which one or more of the parties to the action shall bear the expense of giving the same, in such amount as the court shall be awarded as costs of the action.