Franklin County Wills And Estates Attorney

Last updated on February 25, 2026

Managing legal responsibilities after a loved one’s death involves probate court procedures, executor duties and the distribution of estate assets. A probate attorney guides families through the required filings, creditor notifications and asset transfers that follow a death in Tennessee.

At Kessler Law, I help executors and families handle probate matters with efficiency. My practice focuses on administering estates, enforcing the terms of existing wills and resolving disputes that arise during the probate process.

Understanding Wills

A will serves as a legally binding document outlining the distribution of a deceased person’s belongings. It appoints someone to handle estate administration, names recipients of specific property and may address guardianship arrangements for minor children. Courts in Tennessee validate handwritten documents, formally witnessed typed versions and self-proving wills with attached notarized declarations. A probate lawyer confirms proper court filing and enforces the document’s directives under Tennessee law.

Understanding Probate

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person’s estate. The process includes validating the will, appointing an executor, inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. If no will exists, Tennessee’s intestate succession laws determine how assets are divided among surviving relatives. A probate administration attorney files required documents, represents the executor in court and ensures all legal deadlines are met during the process.

Questions Executors And Families Ask About Probate

Probate procedures involve strict timelines and responsibilities. Understanding when probate is required and what the executor must do helps families manage their obligations.

When is probate legally required after a death?

Probate is required when the deceased owned assets in their name alone, such as real estate, bank accounts or vehicles without designated beneficiaries. Assets held jointly with rights of survivorship or with payable-on-death designations typically avoid probate. Tennessee offers a simplified small estate process for estates valued under $50,000 with no real property. A probate attorney evaluates which assets require court administration and whether simplified procedures apply.

What responsibilities does an executor assume during probate?

Key executor responsibilities include:

• Locating and securing all estate assets
• Notifying creditors of the death
• Paying valid debts and taxes from estate funds
• Filing required court documents and inventories
• Maintaining detailed records of all estate transactions
• Providing accounting to the court and beneficiaries
• Distributing property according to the will or intestate law

Executors must fulfill these duties carefully to avoid potential liability and ensure proper estate administration under Tennessee law. An estate administration lawyer advises executors on their fiduciary duties and helps them avoid personal liability for mistakes during administration.

How long does the probate process usually take?

Most probate cases in Tennessee take six months to one year to complete. Complex estates with business interests, contested wills or disputes among beneficiaries may take longer. Tennessee law requires a four-month creditor claim period before final distribution. An executor attorney manages deadlines, prepares court filings and works to close the estate as efficiently as possible while meeting all legal requirements.

Probate court proceedings require attention to detail and compliance with Tennessee probate statutes. Handling debts during probate and administering an estate after death involve statutory procedures that must be followed precisely.

Contact Me To Discuss Your Probate Concern

If you are serving as an executor or managing a loved one’s estate in Franklin County or surrounding counties, contact Kessler Law at 931-767-0707 or message online. I provide direct guidance on the probate process in Tennessee and help families fulfill their legal obligations during a difficult time.