Estate Planning in Tennessee | TN Legal Resources | FastCounsel

What is the process for satisfying medical bill liens before finalizing a personal injury recovery in Tennessee?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation. Detailed Answer Before you receive net proceeds from a Tennessee personal injury settlement or judgment, you must satisfy any medical bill liens. In Tennessee, two primary types of liens may apply: Hospital […]

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How can you negotiate down medical liens and maximize recovery in Tennessee?

Negotiating Medical Liens in Tennessee: Strategies to Maximize Your Recovery Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer After an accident or injury in Tennessee, healthcare providers and hospitals can file liens against any settlement or court award you obtain. By negotiating these medical liens, you can […]

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How to Determine Which Tasks Are Covered Under an Initial Probate Representation Agreement in Tennessee

Detailed Answer Under Tennessee law, an initial probate representation agreement (also called an engagement letter) outlines the specific tasks your attorney will perform when opening an estate. It’s crucial to understand what falls inside and outside that scope to avoid surprises in fees or delays in administration. Below are the common services included and how […]

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How Do I Invoke an Insurance Appraisal Clause to Challenge a Low Diminished Value Offer in Tennessee?

Detailed Answer If your insurer’s diminished value offer feels too low, Tennessee law and your insurance contract may let you invoke the appraisal clause. An appraisal clause is a built-in process—separate from litigation—that lets you and your insurer each hire a neutral expert (appraiser) to assess the loss. If the two appraisers disagree, they select […]

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What Information and Documents Should I Gather Before a Loved One Passes to Streamline Probate in Tennessee?

Detailed Answer Preparing in advance reduces stress and confusion for your family when probate begins. In Tennessee, probate is the court process that validates a will, appoints a personal representative, and distributes assets under Tennessee Code Annotated (“TCA”) Title 30 (see https://www.capitol.tn.gov/legislation/2020/titles/30.html). Gathering key information and paperwork before the decedent’s passing helps streamline this process. […]

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How Can Beneficiaries Challenge a Trustee Who Misuses Trust Funds in Tennessee?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Under Tennessee law, a trustee holds a fiduciary duty to administer a trust solely in the best interests of the beneficiaries. If a trustee misuses or misappropriates trust funds, beneficiaries have clear legal pathways to challenge that misconduct. 1. […]

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How can I obtain proof of lost wages when my former employer will not provide payroll records in Tennessee?

Detailed Answer If your former employer refuses to provide payroll records, you can pursue several options under Tennessee law to document your lost wages: 1. File a Wage Claim with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development The Tennessee Wage Regulation Act requires employers to keep accurate payroll records. See Tenn. Code Ann. § […]

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How Can Original Wills and Codicils Be Located and Verified Before Opening Probate in Tennessee?

Detailed Answer To open probate in Tennessee, the court must receive the original will or codicil. Locating and verifying this document ensures the estate settles according to the decedent’s wishes. Below are steps to find and confirm the authenticity of wills and codicils under Tennessee law. 1. Search Common Storage Locations Look in a safe […]

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What Options Exist for Selling or Transferring Real Property When an Heir Is a Minor in Tennessee?

Detailed Answer When an heir is a minor, Tennessee law requires court supervision for any sale or transfer of real property. Minors lack legal capacity to enter binding contracts. Below are the most common methods: 1. Guardianship Sale via Probate Court The minor's guardian may petition the probate or chancery court for authority to sell […]

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What is the process for contacting the responding law enforcement officer or agency to correct a report in Tennessee?

Detailed Answer Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Under Tennessee’s Open Records Act, you may request a copy of any police or incident report and ask the agency to correct factual errors. Start by locating the report number and date to reference in your request. Most departments […]

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