Probate in Tennessee | TN Legal Resources | FastCounsel

How can a guardian or guardian ad litem be appointed to manage a minor’s interest in an estate? — Tennessee

Protecting a minor’s inheritance requires court supervision. Tennessee law provides procedures to appoint a guardian or guardian ad litem to manage the minor’s interest in an estate. Detailed Answer When a minor inherits property or holds an interest in an estate in Tennessee, the probate court must protect the minor’s rights. Under Tennessee Code Annotated […]

Read article →

What Steps Protect a Minor’s Inheritance When the Decedent Didn’t Leave a Will in TN?

Detailed Answer When a decedent dies without a will (“intestate”) in Tennessee, state law determines who inherits. Protecting a minor’s share requires court oversight and specific procedures under Tennessee statutes. Below is an overview of key steps. 1. Intestate Succession in Tennessee Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 30-2-101 et seq., a minor child inherits automatically. […]

Read article →

What mechanisms ensure the administrator complies with estate duties and bond requirements in Tennessee?

Detailed Answer When a person dies in Tennessee without a valid will or if the named executor cannot serve, the court appoints an administrator to manage the decedent’s estate. Tennessee law imposes specific mechanisms to ensure this fiduciary handles estate duties properly and secures any required bond. Bond Requirement and Oath Before distributing any assets, […]

Read article →

Can a Personal Representative Seek a Commission on Estate Assets and Sale Proceeds in Tennessee?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information on Tennessee law and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified Tennessee attorney for guidance tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer Under Tennessee law, a personal representative (executor or administrator) is entitled to reasonable compensation for services rendered in the administration of an estate. The probate code sets […]

Read article →

What steps are required in Tennessee to locate, inventory, and distribute estate assets and settle debts?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer In Tennessee, settling an estate follows a clear legal framework. A personal representative (also called an executor or administrator) guides the process under the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.). Here are the core steps: 1. Appoint a Personal Representative An […]

Read article →

How do intestacy rules apply if no valid will is found? (Tennessee)

Detailed Answer Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney to address your specific situation. When a person dies without a valid will in Tennessee, the state’s intestate succession statutes determine who inherits the decedent’s assets. These rules appear in Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) Title […]

Read article →

Which Court or County Office Handles Estate Administration and Unclaimed Property Claims in TN?

Detailed Answer In Tennessee, two separate processes and offices handle estate administration and unclaimed property claims. Understanding which court or office manages each matter ensures you file in the right place. 1. Estate Administration After a person dies, their estate (all assets and debts) often requires court supervision. Tennessee law vests probate jurisdiction in either […]

Read article →

What Steps Are Required to Open an Estate Proceeding When No Probate Case Exists in Tennessee?

Detailed Answer When a person dies without any existing probate case, you must open an estate proceeding in the local probate court. Tennessee law under Title 30 governs this process. Follow these steps to start administration of the decedent’s estate. Determine Proper Court and Venue. File in the probate court of the county where the […]

Read article →

What documentation is required to apply for letters of administration in Tennessee?

Detailed Answer In Tennessee, letters of administration are court orders that empower an individual to manage and distribute an intestate decedent’s estate. To apply, you must file a petition in the probate court of the county where the decedent resided. The following documentation is typically required: Petition for Letters of Administration: Complete the statutory petition […]

Read article →

How to Determine If a Probate Estate Has Been Opened for a Decedent in Tennessee

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer In Tennessee, a probate estate officially exists once someone files a petition for administration in the appropriate probate court. Tennessee’s probate process typically takes place in the Chancery Court […]

Read article →