What to Do When Someone Dies in Greene County, Tennessee

How probate works in Greene County: the Chancery Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.

What probate costsHow to fileDeath certificatesTransferring propertyLocal attorneys

Probate Court Record

Greene County Chancery Court

Greene County · 3rd Judicial District

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM

Office

101 South Main Street, Lower Level, Greeneville, TN 37743

E-filing

Optional

Self-represented filing

This court requires an attorney

Self-help forms

Court forms packet

Open in Google Maps

E-filing

OptionalGreene County Chancery Court takes e-filing through the Tybera TNCIS system under the 3rd Judicial District chancery e-filing rules, which strongly encourage e-filing without requiring it. Self-represented litigants may register as e-filers. Tybera charges a convenience fee on each filing.

Self-represented filing

This court requires an attorneyUnder the 3rd Judicial District chancery rules, only an attorney licensed in Tennessee may represent an estate before the court unless the court orders otherwise. The Clerk and Master's page links the local rules, the probate fee schedule and the request to continue form.

Hearing schedule

  • The Clerk and Master's decedents' estates probate docket sits at 1:30 p.m. Eastern on posted days; the remaining 2026 dates are October 21, November 6 and 13, and December 3 and 16. Chancery Court sessions begin at 10:00 a.m. Eastern.

Verified October 16, 2026 · Source

How Probate Works in Greene County

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Greene County, probate runs through the Chancery Court at 101 South Main Street, Lower Level, Greeneville. The court sits in the 3rd Judicial District. Electronic probate filing sets Greene County apart — only 21 Tennessee counties accept it, with the rest filing on paper.

The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Tennessee intestacy law when there is no will.

Most Tennessee estates take 9 months to 15 months to move through this process. Creditors have 4 monthsT.C.A. §§ 30-2-306, 30-2-307, 30-2-310, 30-2-314, 30-2-317Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the first publication of the notice to creditors.

What Probate Costs in Greene County

What probate costs in Greene County, Tennessee comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Chancery Court at 101 South Main Street, Lower Level, Greeneville. The court is part of the 3rd Judicial District.

Procedures at this court that affect cost: Probate filing fee schedule effective January 1, 2026; Inventory within 60 days; settlement within 15 months.

The Chancery Court charges $275Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-21-401(c)(1) (as enacted by Pub. Ch. 486, HB 487, 114th Gen. Assemb., eff. 1/1/2026)Verified Oct 17, 2026 to open a probate case. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.

Estimate the costs for this estate:

Attorney fees in Tennessee are negotiated, typically 1.7%Modeled estimate under T.C.A. § 30-2-317(a)(1) (reasonable compensation to the personal representative's counsel, a first-priority cost of administration); § 30-2-606; no statutory percentage: the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.7%Modeled estimate under T.C.A. § 30-2-317(a)(1) (reasonable compensation to the personal representative's counsel, a first-priority cost of administration); § 30-2-606; no statutory percentage: the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.

Tennessee allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules payT.C.A. § 30-2-606 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.

Tennessee requires publishing notice to creditors in a local newspaper, and the estate pays for it.

A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%Industry surety premium estimate; the bond itself under T.C.A. § 30-1-201(a) (bond required unless the will excuses it, the PR is the sole beneficiary, the adult beneficiaries consent, or § 45-2-1005 excuses a bank); § 30-1-201(a)(2) (penal sum)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value annually.

Probate in Tennessee typically runs 9 months to 15 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.

How to File Probate at the Chancery Court

Probate documents in Greene County can be filed in person at the Chancery Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available. The court sits in the 3rd Judicial District. The same 3rd Judicial District also serves Hamblen, Hancock and Hawkins.

Can You File Without an Attorney?

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

For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Greene County Self-Filing Assessment.

Greene County Filing Requirements

These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.

Before You File

The Clerk and Master approves letters and hears routine probate matters

Under the 3rd Judicial District chancery rules, the Clerk and Master approves applications for letters testamentary and of administration, adjudicates claims and exceptions, sets the year's allowance and elective share, takes accounts and settlements, and may shorten the 45-day small estate waiting period. Final orders closing an estate are lodged with the Clerk for review before the Chancellor signs them.

Source

Document Requirements

Claims against estates and exceptions to claims are filed in triplicate and notarized

The Probate Division fee schedule states that a claim against an estate, and an exception to a claim, are each filed in triplicate and notarized.

Source

Court Appearances

Probate hearings are requested in writing to the Docket Clerk

Parties call the Clerk and Master's office to check a posted docket day before filing or sending a notice of hearing, then request the date in writing to the Docket Clerk. Matters expected to take more than eight hours are scheduled through the Chancellor's office, and removing a matter from the docket takes the court's request to continue form.

Source

What to Bring

Filed with the opening petition at the Chancery Court: Verified petition for letters with the contents required by Tenn. Code Ann. § 30-1-117 (petitioner, decedent, heirs/devisees, value estimate unless bond waived); Original will and any codicils, attached to the petition as an exhibit and lodged for probate (if testate); Proof of will (self-proving affidavit, or affidavit/testimony of an attesting witness) where the will is not self-proving; Oath of the personal representative for faithful performance (before the judge, clerk, or notary) (Tenn. Code Ann. § 30-1-111); Order admitting the will to probate / granting lettersTenn. Code Ann. §§ 30-1-101 (letters required), 30-1-102 / 32-2-101 (venue), 30-1-106 (intestate priority), 30-1-111 (oath), 30-1-117 (verified petition contents)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Death Certificates and the Medical Examiner in Greene County

In Tennessee a death is registered locally, and in Greene County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Greene County Health Department as well as by Tennessee Department of Health - Office of Vital Records.

Vital Records Office Record

Local Health Department

Greene County · Greene County Health Department

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM

Office

750 Edens Road, Afton, TN 37616

Open in Google Maps

Fax

1-423-798-1755

Verified November 2, 2026 · Source

Coroner or Medical Examiner Record

Medical Examiner

Greene County · Greene County Medical Examiner

Serves this county

William L. Jenkins Forensic Center

Mail and offices

Mail

William L. Jenkins Forensic Center P.O. Box 70425 Johnson City, TN 37614

Fax

1-423-439-8070

Verified November 2, 2026 · Source

Transferring Property in Greene County

Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the Register of Deeds.

Deeds and other real property documents for Greene County are recorded with the Register of Deeds at 401 Takoma Avenue, Suite 105, Greeneville, TN 37743. Phone: 1-423-798-1726. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.

The Register of Deeds charges $10 for the first 2 pages plus $5 for each page beyond 2.

Greene County accepts electronic recording through CSC, ePN and Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

Register of Deeds

Greene County

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM

Office

401 Takoma Avenue, Suite 105, Greeneville, TN 37743

Open in Google Maps

Fees

Recording fees

Base fee (first 2 pages)$10
Each page beyond 2$5
Register's Data Processing FeeRequired with most deeds$2
Additional Instrument Fee$5
Electronic Filing (eFile) Submission Fee$2
Transfer Tax Receipt FeeRequired with most deeds$1

Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-1001(b)(3)-(5), (c), (j); 67-4-409(a), (d)(3)

Verified October 17, 2026 · Source

Forms that put a death on the title

Probate Attorneys Serving Greene County

Tennessee uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Greene County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.

Probate attorney fees in Tennessee are based on reasonable compensation, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Greene County firm to quote a structure up front.

A probate attorney files the petition with the Chancery Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.

FirmKingsport, TN

Holmes & Stice PLC

Since 2000 · Serves 6 counties

Holmes & Stice practices from Kingsport and serves Sullivan, Washington, Hawkins, Carter, Greene and Unicoi counties. For executors and trustees it handles probate filings, assets, creditor and beneficiary notice, debts, taxes and distribution, and it litigates will contests and trust disputes. Both founders are certified estate planning specialists.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 9 more

Office
2404 North John B. Dennis Highway, Suite 100Kingsport, TN 37660

FirmGreeneville, TN

Laughlin, Nunnally, Hood & Crum, P.C.

Serves 1 county

Laughlin, Nunnally, Hood & Crum practices in downtown Greeneville, across from the Greene County Courthouse, serving clients throughout upper East Tennessee. The firm handles estate administration and estate planning, with Kenneth C. Hood and Edward G. Crum practicing in estates, alongside litigation, real estate closings, bankruptcy and creditor work.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateBankruptcyReal Estate

Office
100 South Main StreetGreeneville, TN 37743

FirmErwin, TN

Shults Law Offices

Since 1975 · Serves 6 counties

Shults Law Offices is a family-run firm in downtown Erwin serving Unicoi, Washington, Carter, Greene, Sullivan and Johnson counties. Its attorneys handle estate probate and estate claims, wills and conservatorships, and Douglas K. Shults, the Unicoi County Attorney, is also a licensed title insurance agent who handles deeds and real estate closings.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateConservatorshipBusiness Lawand 3 more

Office
111 Gay StreetErwin, TN 37650

FirmKnoxville, TN

Elder Care Law of Tennessee

Since 2010 · Serves 5 counties

Elder law firm serving East Tennessee from Knoxville and Johnson City, founded in 2010 by Certified Elder Law Attorney Amelia Crotwell. It plans for long-term care through Medicaid, veterans benefits and Life Care Planning, and guides clients through probate and trust administration when an estate cannot avoid it. Its special needs work includes special needs trusts and conservatorships.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 5 more

Office
903 N. Hall of Fame DriveKnoxville, TN 37917

Solo PracticeGallatin, TN

Mason & Associates Law Firm

Serves the whole state

Mason & Associates practices from Gallatin in Sumner County, serving clients throughout Tennessee and Kentucky in elder law and estate planning only. It handles probate and trust administration, with a free 30-minute probate consultation by phone, in person or by video, and conservatorship petitions. Jake Mason is board-certified in both elder law and estate planning.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 6 more

Office
880 Greenlea Blvd, Suite BGallatin, TN 37066
Free consultationVirtual consultations

FirmNashville, TN

Mobley & Gontarek, PLLC

Serves the whole state

Mobley & Gontarek practices from Nashville and serves clients throughout Tennessee. It settles complex estates and trusts, prepares federal and state estate tax returns, handles estate tax audits, and litigates will contests, undue-influence and elective-share claims and trust disputes for fiduciaries and beneficiaries. Jeff Mobley is an ACTEC Fellow and co-author of the Pritchard wills treatise.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 6 more

Office
2319 Crestmoor RoadNashville, TN 37215
See all 9 firms serving Greene County →

Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·

Legal Sources

Show 3 more sources

Data sourced from Tennessee statutes and official state code. Fee percentages are modeled estimates; each figure's note says how. How we research.

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 taxes. Run each tool for Tennessee.

How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in Tennessee: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysTenn. Code Ann. § 30-2-301Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsT.C.A. §§ 30-2-306, 30-2-307, 30-2-310, 30-2-314, 30-2-317Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.

See the Steps

How Do I Settle a Trust?

Settling a trust in Tennessee happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust CodeTenn. Code Ann. § 35-15-101 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 60 daysTenn. Code Ann. § 35-15-813(b); § 35-15-1005Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.

See the Steps

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.

Get the Answer

Hire a Tennessee Probate Attorney

Browse vetted Tennessee attorneys handling probate matters.

Browse firms

All Tennessee tools

Notify Banks & Financial Institutions

Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.

Ameris Bank

Ameris Bank logo

Bank serving the Southeast and Northeast

Ameris Bank

Ascend FCU

Ascend FCU logo

Credit Union serving Tennessee

Ascend FCU

Auto-Owners Life

Auto-Owners Life logo

Insurance Company serving the Midwest, Southeast, and more

Auto-Owners Life

Bank OZK

Bank OZK logo

Bank serving the Southeast, Southwest, and more

Bank OZK

Cadence Bank

Cadence Bank logo

Bank serving the Southeast, Southwest, and more

Cadence Bank

Centennial Bank

Centennial Bank logo

Bank serving the Southeast, Southwest, and more

Centennial Bank

City National

City National logo

Bank serving the Southeast, West, and more

City National

CommunityAmerica

CommunityAmerica logo

Credit Union serving the Midwest, Southeast, and more

CommunityAmerica

Community Bank of Mississippi

Community Bank of Mississippi logo

Bank serving the Southeast

Community Bank of Mississippi

COUNTRY Financial

COUNTRY Financial logo

Insurance Company serving the Midwest, West, and more

COUNTRY Financial

D.A. Davidson

D.A. Davidson logo

Brokerage serving the West, Midwest, and more

D.A. Davidson

Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance logo

Insurance Company serving the Southeast, Northeast, and more

Erie Insurance

Is this your situation?

Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.

Named as Executor

Named as Executor

What an executor actually does: getting appointed, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and where personal liability starts.

Learn more