Estate Planning and Probate

Probate is the process by which estate assets are transferred to the proper beneficiaries pursuant to the decedent's last will and testament when the decedent passes away without a trust. If there is no last will and testament, the estate will be distributed according to Tennessee law via intestate succession.

Don't leave your asset distribution up to chance. Our team of professionals would be honored to assist you in setting up your estate plan, so that it is legally binding, ensuring that your wishes will be carried out.

This is a true intersection of law and life. Our attorneys will handle all legal aspects of your probate case, allowing you to focus on funeral and family issues. Let us worry about legal and financial matters.

We realize that this requires a high degree of trust in your lawyer. Our law firm is relationship-driven. Many of our customers come by way of referrals from former clients, financial planners and other attorneys. We strive to build a trusting relationship from the start, and we offer free initial consultations in all estate planning and probate matters.

If an estate plan was not in place at the time that a loved one passed away, we can still help. We are well-versed in the requirements set forth by Tennessee law, and we would be honored to serve your probate and estate administration needs.

In the event that you are a beneficiary and a dispute arises or litigation ensues, we advocate for clients in probate and estate litigation cases as well.

Establishing a trust can be a key element of any estate plan. In fact, a proper trust can help you avoid probate, minimize taxes and distribute your assets in private. However, drawing up the proper documents and funding the trust is only the first step. Trust administration must follow.

Trust administration is the process by which the trustee carries out the directives of the trust. These responsibilities may include filing tax returns, distributing money, making investment decisions, filing waivers, buying or selling property, or even running a business. With these job functions comes great duty and responsibility. Failure to perform these tasks adequately can create liability for damages to the trustee, beneficiaries and others.