Probate is a legal process that takes place after someone dies. It involves the administration of the deceased person's estate, which includes their assets, debts and distribution of property to heirs or beneficiaries. Probate often stands as an intimidating term,...
Probate
How does probate work in Tennessee?
If someone passes away in Tennessee, their estate goes through a legal process known as probate. Probate involves validating the deceased person's will, if there is one, and distributing their assets according to the law. Understanding probate is an important part of...
How to avoid probate in Tennessee
When you die, your assets may go through a legal process called probate. The probate process can increase the amount of time it takes for your beneficiaries to receive their share of your estate and drive up estate administration costs. You may be able to save your...
Could Medicaid take money from your estate?
Medicaid, known as TennCare in Tennessee, may be able to take money from your estate after your death. There are specific rules to the process. TennCare will only attempt estate recovery if you received long-term care services through its program. A legal requirement...
Will you leave estate taxes behind when you die?
Estate taxes can be a confusing topic. The state does not charge them, but the federal government may. These taxes are typically only a concern for those with vast assets. The IRS explains estate taxation and how it works. You need to know this because your estate...
Understanding the probate process in Tennessee
An executor of an estate is responsible for handling taxes, settling debts and distributing property to beneficiaries. Depending on the circumstances, the executor could also have to file court paperwork and undergo probate. Probate laws differ by state. If you are...
How can you avoid probate?
Most wills must go through probate, which is the process of proving them valid, paying creditors, and distributing assets to heirs. Some probate cases proceed smoothly and resolve in a short amount of time. However, others can go on for months while the court tries to...
3 common misconceptions about probate
Many people view the probate process with wariness. This is in part due to confusion about it. Since probate proceedings have the potential to be simple or complex, there are many misconceptions floating around about them. 1. If you have a will your estate does not go...
How to prevent or defend a contested will
A diligent individual may leave behind a will with clear instructions for distributing an estate after death. Some in the family may not be happy with the document's contents and challenge the expressed wishes. Individuals and their inheritors should know how to...
Avoid making missteps in your role as the executor of an estate
An appointment as the executor of an estate is an enormous task that, at times, may seem overwhelming. You want to manage your duties successfully, but how do you avoid making missteps that could land you in legal hot water? What the role entails In the work of...