Guides
Tennessee probate articles
Tennessee probate matters run through the County Chancery or Circuit Court with typical timelines of 6-12 months. Tennessee probate is typically filed in the decedent's home county. Many full administrations involve a multi-month creditor claims period before final distribution, though small-estate procedures can be shorter when they apply.
- How to Contest a Will in Tennessee
2026-04-22
A Tennessee will contest asks the probate court to refuse a will on grounds of capacity, undue influence, fraud, improper execution, or revocation within the two-year statute.
- Testamentary Capacity Under Tennessee Law
2026-04-24
Tennessee requires a testator to be of sound mind and at least 18 under Tenn. Code Ann. § 32-1-102. The common-law Elam four-part test, the presumption of validity from proper execution, and a two-year deadline under § 32-4-108 frame every capacity contest.
- Undue Influence in Tennessee Will Contests
2026-04-22
Undue influence in a Tennessee will or trust contest turns on the Matlock presumption, a confidential relationship with dominion and control, suspicious circumstances, and a clear-and-convincing rebuttal.
- How Do You Make a Valid Will In Tennessee?
2021-01-15
To make a valid will under Tennessee law, the will must be: In writing Signed by the testator Signed by at least two witnesses The requirements to make a valid will in Tennessee can be found at TN Code § 32-1-104 . Who Can Make a Val…
- Is a Probate Advance Legal in Tennessee?
2026-03-27
Tennessee beneficiaries can often assign expected inheritances under contract law, while Title 30 probate and county Chancery or Circuit practice still control notices, claims, and distributions.
- Surviving Spouse Rights Tennessee
2019-09-23
Surviving spouses in Tennessee have several important rights, including: Exempt Property Homestead Exemption Elective Share Intestate Share Support Allowance Learning about the widow's rights available to a surviving spouse is one of the fi…
- Who Are Next Of Kin In Tennessee?
2020-08-03
Under Tennessee law of descent and distribution the term “next of kin” means the persons most nearly related to the decedent by blood. A decedent’s spouse and next of kin make up the group of people entitled to inherit from a decedent’s est…
- Who Can Serve As Personal Representative Of a Tennessee Estate?
2021-12-23
In Tennessee, a decedent can name someone of their choosing to serve as personal representative of his or her estate by naming the person in their will. The personal representative should not be a minor or incompetent to serve. If the deced…