Top Franklin, TN Probate Lawyers Near You
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Experienced TN Probate and Estate Administration attorney with a focus on personal Service.
1801 West End Ave, Suite 850, Nashville, TN 37203
Clients who need legal help with Probate concerns can contact Pepper Law, PLC, a reputable law firm in Franklin, Tennessee.
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745 S Church St, Suite 240, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Connect with a local Franklin, Tennessee firm for experienced Probate legal representation.
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5115 Maryland Way, Suite 301, Brentwood, TN 37027
Get assistance for your Probate issue in the Franklin, Tennessee area. Brentwood Law can help.
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2319 Crestmoor Road, Nashville, TN 37215
Clients who need legal help with Probate concerns can contact Mobley & Gontarek, PLLC, a reputable law firm in Franklin, Tennessee.
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234 4th Ave. N., Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37219
Select a local Franklin, Tennessee firm for diligent Probate representation.
PO Box 120311, Nashville, TN 37212
424 Church Street, Suite 800, Nashville, TN 37219
565 Marriott Drive, Suite 620, Nashville, TN 37214
751 Cool Springs Boulevard, Suite 106, Franklin, TN 37067
1222 Demonbreun St, Suite 1201, Nashville, TN 37203
150 3rd Avenue South, Suite 1900, Nashville, TN 37201
1503 16th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212
99 E. Main Street, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064
5141 Virginia Way, Suite 220, Brentwood, TN 37027
1 Music Circle South, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37203
The Pinnacle at Symphony Place, Suite 1600, 150 3rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37201
3102 West End Avenue, Suite 400, Nashville, TN 37203
800 19th Ave S, Second Floor, Nashville, TN 37203
222 2nd Avenue South, Suite 2000, Nashville, TN 37201
1222 16th Ave S, Suite 23, Nashville, TN 37212`
501 Commerce St, Suite 1500, Nashville, TN 37203
130 Fourth Avenue South, Franklin, TN 37064
104 Continental Pl, Suite 320, Brentwood, TN 37027
112 Westwood Pl, Suite 310, Brentwood, TN 37027
414 Union St, Ste. 1105, Nashville, TN 37219
Franklin Probate Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Franklin and checks their standing with Tennessee bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
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Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of handling a person’s estate after they pass away. During probate, the state identifies the deceased person’s property, assets, and debts, and decides how to distribute these to beneficiaries. A personal representative handles the deceased person’s estate as the executor or administrator. Property and liabilities that can go through probate include:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Personal debt
- Titled assets
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- Business assets
How Can You Avoid Probate?
If you want your beneficiaries to avoid the hassle of probate, you have several options. You can make sure to name beneficiaries of bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. You could also move your assets to a living trust, which will allow you to access them while you are still alive but will automatically pass to your beneficiaries upon your death.
How Long Does Probate Take?
In a simple case where there are no disputes, and the deceased had a strong plan in place, the probate process of distributing assets and paying off debts may only take a few months to complete. If someone challenges the will or any other part of the estate distribution, it can take much longer.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Probate Lawyer?
If a family member or loved one dies, most of their assets will pass through the probate process. You can avoid probate in some states if you have a small estate. With estate planning, you can also avoid probate with a trust. If there are any disputes about who inherits or receives property after death, you should consider a probate lawyer, who can help with:
- Inheritance disputes between family members
- A large estate without estate planning documents
- Resolving multiple wills or a missing will and testament
- Estate tax or inheritance tax reduction planning
How Can a Probate Lawyer Help Me?
After a loved one dies, family members can be at a loss with handling their estate. A probate lawyer can help handle the situation on your behalf. A local probate lawyer is familiar with the probate process in Tennessee and can help you understand your options. When you hire a probate lawyer, they can:
- Identify any estate planning documents and beneficiaries
- Help with assets that pass outside of probate
- Transfer real estate and other property to beneficiaries
- Pay off debts and liabilities
- Resolve Tennessee and federal tax issues
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Probate Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you will have to handle the probate process on your own. There are legal requirements for resolving someone’s estate, including filing requirements and notice deadlines. Without going through the right legal process, the estate could be open to legal claims by creditors or other family members. If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you could face:
- Delays in distributing assets
- Federal and state estate tax penalties
- Improper title transfers
- Missing or unidentified financial assets
- Inheritance tax penalties
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Probate Lawyer in Franklin?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a probate lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many probate lawyers offer an initial consultation that allows you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- What is your experience in handling probate cases in Tennessee?
- How long will the probate process take?
- What property can you transfer without going through probate?
- How will you keep me informed about updates in my case?
- What happens if someone challenges the inheritance?
- How much do you charge for probate cases?
Tips for Hiring a Probate Lawyer
Take the time to find a probate attorney who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find someone who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about fees and billing
- Trust your instincts