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.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Hawkins County, Tennessee
How probate works in Hawkins County: the Chancery Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Hawkins County Chancery Court
Hawkins County · 3rd Judicial District
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
100 East Main Street, Suite 316, Rogersville, TN 37857
Website
E-filing
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
E-filing
OptionalHawkins County Chancery Court takes e-filing through the Tybera TNCIS system under local e-filing rules, and the Clerk and Master publishes e-filing tips. Tybera charges a convenience fee on each filing.
Self-represented filing
AllowedA full estate administration in Hawkins County is handled by an attorney under the local rules. For a small estate, the Clerk and Master publishes an instruction packet and a petition for limited letters, which the filer brings to the office unsigned with a copy of the death certificate; staff help as they can without giving legal advice.
Hearing schedule
- Chancery Court begins at 10:00 a.m. on posted court dates; the remaining 2026 dates are October 20 and 27, November 12 and 19, and December 3, 9 and 17. A hearing is set by sending a Notice of Hearing or a letter to the Clerk and Master for a listed date, and proceedings are presumed to be in person.
County forms
- Oath of Personal RepresentativeOath signed by the personal representative when opening an estate
- Small Estate Instructions & PetitionInstructions, bond waiver and petition for limited letters for a small estate
- Claim Against EstateForm for filing a creditor claim against an estate
- TennCare Release RequestRequesting the TennCare release filed with a small estate petition and needed to close an estate
- Conservator HandbookHandbook for appointed conservators
Fax
1-423-272-7347
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Hawkins 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 Hawkins County, probate runs through the Chancery Court at 100 East Main Street, Suite 316, Rogersville. The court sits in the 3rd Judicial District. Hawkins County is one of 21 Tennessee counties that accept probate e-filing; most probate courts in the state still take filings 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 Hawkins County
What probate costs in Hawkins 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 100 East Main Street, Suite 316, Rogersville. The court is part of the 3rd Judicial District.
Procedures at this court that affect cost: Filing fee schedule effective January 1, 2026; fees are paid when the case is opened; 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 Hawkins 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. Hawkins County shares the 3rd Judicial District with Greene, Hamblen and Hancock.
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 Hawkins County Self-Filing Assessment.
Hawkins 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, 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.
SourceDocument Requirements
Small estate petitions are filed with a death certificate and a TennCare release
A small estate cannot be opened until 45 days after the death. The petition for limited letters is filed with a copy of the death certificate and a TennCare release, and an original will is lodged with the Clerk to support the petition; bond is not required when all other heirs sign a waiver.
SourceWhat 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 Hawkins County
In Tennessee a death is registered locally, and in Hawkins County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Hawkins County Health Department as well as by Tennessee Department of Health - Office of Vital Records.
Vital Records Office Record
Local Health Department
Hawkins County · Hawkins County Health Department
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
201 Park Boulevard, Rogersville, TN 37857
Website
P.O. Box 488
Rogersville, TN 37857
Local rule
- Certified copies are available for deaths within the past 3 years. A second office is at 247 Silver Lake Road in Church Hill.
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $15 |
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Medical Examiner
Hawkins County · Hawkins County Medical Examiner
Mail and offices
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 Hawkins 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 Hawkins County are recorded with the Register of Deeds at 110 East Main Street, Room 202, Rogersville, TN 37857. Phone: 1-423-272-8304. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.
The Register of Deeds charges $10 for the first 2 pages plus $5 for each page beyond 2.
Recording Office Record
Register of Deeds
Hawkins County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Office
110 East Main Street, Room 202, Rogersville, TN 37857
Website
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
- Free forms: Affidavit of Heirship Form
Probate Attorneys Serving Hawkins County
Tennessee uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Hawkins 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 Hawkins 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.
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.
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.
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.
Music City Estate Law has offices in Franklin and Nashville and states that it serves all of Tennessee. It walks executors through Tennessee probate, from the petition and creditor notice to the inventory, the TennCare release and closing, and guides successor trustees through trust administration. The firm also drafts Tennessee dynasty trusts and domestic asset protection trusts.
Oakes Law Firm is a Knoxville solo practice on Kingston Pike that takes clients across Tennessee. R. Seth Oakes guides families through probate after a death, from validating a will to paying debts and taxes and distributing assets, and prepares wills, trusts and estate plans. As a solo practitioner he keeps direct contact with each client.
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.
Legal Sources
(8)·
- T.C.A. § 30-2-606 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- T.C.A. §§ 30-2-306, 30-2-307, 30-2-310, 30-2-314, 30-2-317
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-21-401(c)(1) (as enacted by Pub. Ch. 486, HB 487, 114th Gen. Assemb., eff. 1/1/2026)
- Tenn. 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)
- Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-1001(b)(3)-(5), (c), (j); 67-4-409(a), (d)(3)
- Hawkins County Chancery Court, official page
- Hawkins County Register of Deeds, official page
- Hawkins County vital records and death investigation offices, official page
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
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