Helpful Information
Common questions about estate planning and wills in Tennessee.
Why do I need a will?
A will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass. Without one, Tennessee intestacy laws determine who receives your property — which may not align with your intentions.
What is included in a will package?
Our will packages are tailored to your situation and typically include a Last Will and Testament and other essential documents to protect your family and assets.
How often should I update my will?
You should review your will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in assets. The law also changes, so periodic reviews ensure your documents remain current.
Is online estate planning sufficient?
Generic online tools cannot account for your specific circumstances or Tennessee law nuances. An attorney-drafted will provides accuracy, legal compliance, and peace of mind that a template cannot.
Do you prepare Living Trusts?
No. This office does not prepare Trusts. People often think they want a Living Trust in order to avoid probate and protect property from TennCare collection if governmental assistance is needed for medical care. TennCare may opt to collect funds from a trust, if the trust assets can be pulled into a probate estate, so there are no guarantees of protection. A properly drafted Living Trust can avoid probate if all assets are titled in the name of the Trust, but the costs of creating and funding the Trust may exceed the cost of probate. Probate in Tennessee is relatively inexpensive compared to many states.
Are there benefits to a Last Will that are different than a Living Trust?
Yes, there are some benefits. A Living Trust has a named Trustee, who is supposed to administer the Trust in accordance with the deceased's wishes. In practice, some Trustees live up to their obligations, and some do not. Because Trusts are a private distribution of assets, there is no court oversight, and beneficiaries may not even be notified of the trust contents or its distribution. In that case, litigation is the only way to force a reluctant Trustee to live up to his or her obligations. In probate, a Chancellor will oversee the process and beneficiaries can ask the court for assistance if they are not given the information to which they are entitled.
How do I get started?
Simply call us at (865) 474-1284 for a free, brief phone interview. We'll discuss your situation and outline the best path forward — all calls are completely confidential.
Do you serve areas outside Knoxville?
Yes. While our office is located in the Cedar Bluff area of Knoxville, we serve clients throughout Knox County and East Tennessee.
Have a question not listed here?
Call us for a free, confidential phone consultation. We're here to help.
(865) 474-1284