Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating and challenging things to face. When a loved one passes away, the last thing the family wants to think about is how their loved one’s estate will be handled. In Tennessee, if a person dies without a plan in place,...
Using a living trust to avoid probate
It's safe to say that those in Tennessee want as much of their money and assets as possible to be passed down to loved ones when they die. However, if a person dies without an estate plan in place, they will be considered to have died in-state and their possessions...
What happens if a family member tries to delay probate?
Some of the many complications that can arise after the death of a loved one are those related to what happens to the property of the deceased. The process of distributing assets and settling remaining affairs associated with a Tennessee estate is called probate, and...
What typically happens during the probate process?
Losing a loved one can create a challenging time, both emotionally and with trying to navigate all of the legal matters suddenly at hand. In many cases, these issues will involve the formal steps needed to settle the deceased individual’s estate using the probate...
The critical role of the executor of an estate
When you pass away, you likely have specific ideas of what should happen to your property. You likely have certain people you want to inherit specific items, or you may have a certain objective you want to accomplish with your wealth. You may also want your family...
Dealing with debt during the estate administration process
After a death, those left behind are tasked with the responsibility of dealing with one’s estate. This means distributing assets according to the terms of a will, as well as addressing remaining debt. The estate administration process includes the payment of certain...
Paying off debt during the estate administration process
One of the most complicated matters to address after the death of a loved one is dealing with his or her estate. It can be difficult to both grieve your loss while also adeptly navigating the process of handling the decedent’s remaining assets and eventually...
Why is probate necessary if there is a trust?
After the death of a loved one, the family will be left with the responsibility of settling his or her estate. This means locating the will, navigating the probate process and eventually distributing assets according to the terms of the will. Some assets, such as...
Privacy and the details of an estate during probate
One of the most complex matters to address after the death of a loved one is settling his or her estate. The process of resolving remaining issues associated with the estate, paying off remaining debts and distributing assets are only some of the matters one must...
2 ways to avoid probate
The untimely death of a loved one is often devastating. At a time like this, the last thing family members want to think about is what will happen with the deceased’s estate. However, when someone dies without an estate plan, property or assets typically go through...