Forms for Settling an Estate in Tennessee

Free forms for settling an estate in Tennessee: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.

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Renunciation of Executor

In Tennessee, a person named as personal representative may decline to serveTenn. Code Ann. § 30-1-112(a)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.

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Affidavit of Heirship

In Tennessee, heirs put their identity on the land records with an affidavit of heirship recorded with the countyTenn. Code Ann. § 30-2-712Verified Sep 24, 2026View source; once recorded it is prima facie evidence of the facts stated.

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Estate Inventory

In Tennessee, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysTenn. Code Ann. § 30-2-301Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.

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Estate Closing

In Tennessee, the personal representative is discharged by court orderTenn. Code Ann. § 30-2-307(a)(2); § 30-2-601(b)(2), (c)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required unless it is waived.

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Letter of Instruction

Prepare the letter a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement, addressed to its claims department.

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Digital Assets Recovery Letter

Prepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.

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All Tennessee forms

Tools for Settling an Estate in Tennessee

Free tools for settling an estate in Tennessee: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.

How Much Can an Executor Charge?

Tennessee pays executors reasonable compensationT.C.A. § 30-2-606 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, typically 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate.

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Can I Self-File Probate?

Tennessee has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is not available.

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How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?

In Tennessee, the Chancery Court appoints the personal representative and the Clerk & Master issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; every appointment goes through the court.

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What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?

In Tennessee, creditors have 4 monthsT.C.A. § 30-2-306(b) cl. (1)(A) (4 months from the date of first publication or posting); § 30-2-306(b) cl. (1)(B) (60 days from receipt of actual notice, where actual notice arrives within 60 days of the 4-month date); § 30-2-306(b) cl. (2) and § 30-2-310(a) (12-month outer bar from the date of death); § 30-2-307(a)(1) (claims barred unless filed within the period prescribed in the § 30-2-306(b) notice); § 30-2-321 (that period is computed from the date of first publication). Verified 2026-09-08.Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.

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What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?

When an estate owes more than it holds, Tennessee pays the claims in 4T.C.A. § 30-2-317Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with costs of administration (incl. bond premiums, PR and counsel compensation).

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How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?

Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.

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What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?

Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.

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Hire a Tennessee Probate Attorney

Browse 76 probate firms in Tennessee with addresses, contact info, and practice details.

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Tennessee Estate Settlement Resources

In-depth guides covering Tennessee probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.