Blended families have become increasingly common, as 40% of American families with children are blended. These family dynamics bring together spouses, children, stepchildren and sometimes grandchildren from previous relationships. For these families, estate planning...
Personalized Attention For Your Family’s Probate & Estate Needs
Year: 2026
Red flags that your Tennessee estate plan is outdated
A Tennessee estate plan can fail to meet your current needs if it is not reviewed on a regular basis. Many families face planning gaps that can create confusion later without timely evaluations. A periodic review helps confirm that your plan still reflects your goals...
Funding a living trust: A step often overlooked or misunderstood
A revocable living trust only works as intended when assets are properly transferred into it. Many Tennessee residents create a trust but fail to include some of their most important assets. This oversight can lead to probate and delays that the trust was designed to...
Can a power of attorney override a will in Tennessee?
When a loved one passes away, most families face questions about estate documents they never expected to answer. One question surfaces consistently: does a power of attorney supersede a will? The short answer is no. These two documents carry entirely different legal...
Choosing a successor trustee for a living trust
A revocable living trust is a powerful estate planning tool. It helps a person protect their resources and structure the legacy they intend to leave after they pass. The grantor who establishes a revocable living trust often serves as the initial trustee. They manage...
How long do people have to submit wills to the Tennessee courts?
The Tennessee probate courts oversee estate administration. They validate wills, resolve disputes regarding inheritances and ensure that every interested party has an opportunity to assert their rights. The probate process often begins with the submission of a will to...
Naming a guardian for your minor child
Parents of a minor child should name a guardian when they do their estate planning. This way, if they become incapacitated or die before the child becomes an adult, the guardian can take over parental responsibilities. A guardian has the legal authority to make...
What should every new parent in Tennessee include in a Will?
Holding your new baby for the first time brings an overwhelming sense of joy and an instinct to protect them at all costs. Estate planning might feel like a distant priority right now, but in Tennessee, a will is one of the most meaningful things you can do as a new...
Can a TIST protect your child’s inheritance from creditors?
Parents of adult children whom they plan to bequeath considerable assets are often concerned that those assets will only go to pay off their child’s debts. There are trusts available that can help shield assets from creditors. However, they don’t always guarantee that...
Is a notary necessary when signing a Tennessee will?
Drafting a valid will can give a testator peace of mind. They can feel confident about the care of their minor children and the distribution of their property after they die. The person drafting the will must be an adult who is of sound mind. They must make estate...
