Search
Close this search box.

What is the Process for Opening a Probate Estate in Tennessee?

Learn how to open an estate with guidance from Douglass & Runger. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your probate needs.

Opening an estate is essential to managing the affairs of a loved one who has passed away. While the process can seem complex, we’re here to guide you through every step.

 

The first step is meeting with us to determine whether an estate needs to be opened. We’ll discuss your situation and outline the necessary steps.

If an estate needs to be opened, we will prepare and file a petition with the probate court to appoint a personal representative, usually someone close to the deceased, such as a spouse or child.

Once the petition is filed, we’ll guide you through a brief court hearing to finalize the process, after which the personal representative will be appointed.

After the estate is opened, the personal representative will manage the estate, including gathering assets, notifying creditors, and distributing property.

If you think you may need to open an estate or have any questions about the process, I encourage you to schedule a consultation. We can discuss your situation and determine the best course of action.

Related Cases / Blogs

Probate
Lost the original Will of a loved one? Learn the steps for admitting a copy into probate in Tennessee, the legal challenges involved from a Memphis probate attorney.
Estate Planning, Probate
In this video attorney Curt Runger answers the question of if you should buy a will from the website LegalZoom. View the video below or see the transcript below to hear not only Curt’s answer, but his guidance on this quicker but wrong process.
Probate
Learn why a Power of Attorney is a crucial part of estate planning. Discover the different types of POAs and why it's essential to choose the right agent.