How to Become the Administrator of a Sibling’s Estate in Tennessee
Can I be appointed administrator of my sister’s estate in Tennessee if she died without a will? Short answer: Possibly — if you are the appropriate next of kin and the probate court approves your petition. Below is a step‑by‑step FAQ that explains the usual process under Tennessee law, what the court looks for, and […]
Read article →Notifying Heirs When Opening Probate in Tennessee
Detailed Answer Short answer: Under Tennessee probate practice, you must give notice to (1) known heirs and devisees (people who inherit under a will or under the laws of intestacy), (2) known creditors, and (3) the public (through published notice to alert unknown creditors). The exact forms of notice, how they must be served, and […]
Read article →Tennessee: Selling a Home with a Reverse Mortgage When the Lender Requests Renunciation Letters
FAQ — Selling a Home with a Reverse Mortgage After the Borrower’s Death (Tennessee) Short answer: Start by getting the death certificate, contact the reverse mortgage servicer to request a written payoff quote and the exact renunciation language they want, and determine who has legal authority to act for the estate (executor/administrator or heirs). If […]
Read article →Tennessee: What to Do If an Heir (Uncle) Refuses to Sign a Renunciation So You Can Be Personal Representative
Understanding your options when an heir refuses to sign a renunciation in Tennessee probate Short answer: If your uncle (an heir) refuses to sign a renunciation that would allow you to be appointed personal representative, you usually cannot force a private party to sign. Instead, you must proceed through the probate court—either by filing for […]
Read article →Including Out-of-State Real Property in a Tennessee Will: What You Need to Know
How to Provide for Real Estate Located Outside Tennessee in a Tennessee Will FAQ-style guide: clear steps for including a house located in another state when you make a will while living in Tennessee. Detailed answer Yes — you can use a Tennessee will to leave real property that is located in another state, but […]
Read article →First Step to Determine Legal Ownership of a Relative’s Land in Tennessee
How to Start Confirming Legal Ownership of a Relative’s Land in Tennessee Short answer: The first step is a public-records search — start with the county Register of Deeds (for recorded deeds and liens) and the county probate court or clerk (for wills and estate files). Those records usually show how title passed after your […]
Read article →Tennessee: Joint Bank Accounts and Jointly Owned Property When Someone Dies Without a Will
How Tennessee Law Treats Jointly Held Bank Accounts and Property When a Person Dies Intestate Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. For guidance about a specific situation, consult a licensed Tennessee attorney. Detailed Answer When a person dies without a will (intestate) in Tennessee, whether jointly held bank accounts and property […]
Read article →Tennessee: Reimbursable Expenses for Maintaining Estate Property Before Sale
Detailed Answer Short answer: A personal representative (executor or administrator) may pay reasonable and necessary expenses to preserve, maintain, insure, and prepare estate real property for sale. Common reimbursable items include securing and boarding the property, utilities, insurance, ordinary repairs and maintenance, property taxes and mortgage payments, appraisals and inspections, marketing and broker commissions, and […]
Read article →How to Seek Appointment as Estate Administrator or Co-Administrator in Tennessee
Detailed Answer This guide explains, step-by-step, how someone can seek appointment as a personal representative (administrator or co-administrator) of a Tennessee estate. It describes who may be appointed, common court procedures, paperwork, and practical tips for getting and performing the appointment. This is general information only and not legal advice. Who can be appointed and […]
Read article →Tennessee: Can Wills and Beneficiary Designations Keep Your Family Out of Probate?
How to keep assets out of probate in Tennessee: clear steps and common traps Short answer: A will by itself does not avoid probate in Tennessee. To keep assets out of probate you typically use beneficiary designations (life insurance, retirement accounts), payable-on-death (POD)/transfer-on-death (TOD) arrangements, joint ownership with rights of survivorship, transfer-on-death deeds or a […]
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