Estate settlement · TN
Probate in Tennessee.
The basics most families need to know. Not legal advice — see the official sources at the bottom of this page, or call a Tennessee estate attorney for the specifics of your situation.
Estates under $50,000
Tennessee's Small Estate Affidavit covers personal property up to $50,000 (Tenn. Code §30-4-101). Wait 45 days after death. Filed with the probate court of the county where the deceased lived.
6–12 months for full probate
Tennessee offers informal/unsupervised probate, which is typically faster and less expensive when the will is clean and the heirs aren't in dispute.
Tennessee does not require an attorney for probate, though most families with non-trivial estates use one. Average legal fees: $1,500–$5,000.
What makes Tennessee different.
- Tennessee has no state estate tax (repealed 2016) and no inheritance tax (repealed 2016).
- Probate is heard by the County Probate Court or Chancery Court depending on the county.
- Most counties have informal procedures for uncontested estates.
- Tennessee allows transfer-on-death (TOD) registration for real estate — recorded deed with TOD designation bypasses probate.
What the executor will file.
- Petition to Probate WillOpens probate when there's a will.
- Small Estate AffidavitPersonal property up to $50,000.
- Notice to CreditorsPublished; cuts creditor claim window to 4 months.
For the actual current rules.
State rules and thresholds change. These links go to the Tennessee courts and bar association — the source of truth for current forms, fees, and procedures.
We have probate guides for the 10 most populous states. Pick another:
This page is general consumer guidance, not legal advice. For complex estates, contested wills, or jurisdiction-specific questions, talk to a licensed Tennessee estate attorney.
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