Within 60 daysTenn. Code Ann. § 30-2-301Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of the personal representative's appointment.

For a solvent estate whose claims are satisfied and whose court accountings are waived (by the will or by all residuary distributees), the personal representative and the residuary distributees file separate sworn statements in lieu of a detailed accounting under Tenn. Code Ann. § 30-2-601(b); otherwise the PR settles a detailed final accounting with the probate clerk under § 30-2-601(a). If the decedent was enrolled in TennCare at death, no estate may be closed until the PR files a TennCare release from the bureau (Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-5-116(c)(2))Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 30-2-601, 30-2-307, 30-2-707; § 71-5-116(c)(2) (TennCare release)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.

A person named as personal representative who will not serve declines the appointment before anyone is appointed; the instrument is a written renunciation filed with the courtTenn. Code Ann. § 30-1-112(a)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source. A notary is not requiredTenn. Code Ann. § 30-1-112(a)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source.

Not before the creditor-claim period has expired and all legitimate claims have been satisfied; the § 30-2-601(b) closing statements may be filed at any time after that period runsTenn. Code Ann. § 30-2-601(b)(1)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source. Where the decedent was enrolled in TennCare at death, no probate estate may be closed until the personal representative files a release from the Bureau of TennCare (evidencing payment of all medical assistance benefits, waiver of the bureau’s claims, or a statement that no amount is due); the PR must notify the bureau and request the release within 60 days of issuance of lettersTenn. Code Ann. § 71-5-116(c)(2), (d)(1)(B)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.