Tennessee: How a Prenuptial Agreement Can Affect a Life Estate and Your Inheritance — What to Do If the Executor Refuses to Provide It
Detailed Answer Short answer: yes — a valid prenuptial agreement can change how property is classified and can limit or eliminate a surviving spouse’s rights that would otherwise affect a life estate or your share of your mother’s estate under Tennessee law. If an executor refuses to provide the agreement or estate paperwork, you have […]
Read article →How to Verify an Executor’s Calculation of Your Share from a Sibling’s House Sale — Tennessee
Detailed Answer Under Tennessee probate practice, beneficiaries have the right to see the estate paperwork and to verify the math an executor (personal representative) used to calculate any distribution from the sale of estate real property. The steps below explain what to look for, how to recompute the share yourself, and what remedies are available […]
Read article →Tennessee: Selling a Deceased Parent’s House During Probate (When a Mortgage Exists)
Can you sell your mother’s house during probate in Tennessee if there’s still a mortgage? Short answer: Yes, it is often possible to sell a decedent’s house during probate even if a mortgage remains on the property, but you must follow Tennessee probate procedures, address the mortgage (the lender’s lien) and get the necessary authority […]
Read article →Tennessee: Small Estate Process and Whether You Must Publish a 3‑Month Notice Before Selling a House
Can you use the small‑estate process to sell a deceased relative’s house without publishing a three‑month creditor notice? Short answer: Usually no. The routine three‑month notice to creditors is part of formal probate administration. The small‑estate affidavit procedure in Tennessee is generally intended to transfer limited personal property without formal administration and, in most cases, […]
Read article →How to Prove the Value of a Deceased Person’s Vehicles During Probate in Tennessee
How to Prove the Value of a Deceased Person’s Vehicles During Probate in Tennessee Quick answer In Tennessee probate, you generally value a decedent’s vehicles as of the date of death. The estate’s personal representative (executor or administrator) must show the probate court the fair market value of each vehicle. Typical evidence includes certified appraisals, […]
Read article →Proving Vehicle Value in Tennessee Probate: How to Establish a Deceased Relative’s Car Value
Proving the Value of a Deceased Relative’s Vehicle During Tennessee Probate Detailed Answer Short answer: In Tennessee probate you prove a decedent’s vehicle value by determining its fair market value (FMV) at the date of death and documenting that value with reliable evidence (appraisals, dealer quotes, valuation guides, comparable sales, photos, and vehicle records). You […]
Read article →Tennessee: How to Get Appointed as a Limited Personal Representative to Run Creditor Notices and Sell Real Property
Detailed Answer Short summary: In Tennessee, a small‑estate affidavit or other simplified collection procedures typically cover collection of certain personal property but do not generally authorize selling real estate. If you must run a notice to creditors and sell real property, you will most often need a court appointment as a personal representative (often limited […]
Read article →How to Prove a Zero Balance and Close a Spouse’s Estate in Tennessee
How to Prove a Zero Balance and Close a Spouse’s Estate in Tennessee: FAQ Quick answer: If your spouse’s estate has no assets (or assets already distributed), you will typically file a final accounting or a petition for final settlement with the probate court where the estate was opened (or, in many cases, pursue an […]
Read article →Using a Small Estate Affidavit in Tennessee for an Intestate Estate
Can you use a small estate affidavit in Tennessee for an intestate estate instead of formal probate? Short answer: Sometimes. Tennessee law provides limited non‑probate collection procedures that let certain small intestate estates be settled without full probate, but strict rules and limits apply. Read on to learn when a small‑estate affidavit (or similar affidavit […]
Read article →If mediation fails in a Tennessee partition or probate dispute — what happens next?
What happens if mediation fails to resolve a partition or probate dispute in Tennessee? This FAQ answers what typically happens after mediation fails in a partition (division of property) or probate (estate/will) dispute under Tennessee law. It explains the next legal steps, likely courtroom outcomes, and practical actions you can take. This is educational only—not […]
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