Estate Planning & Probate in Rutherford County, Tennessee
Most Rutherford County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Start with your situation below; both paths use Rutherford County's actual court and recording details.
The Probate Process in Rutherford 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 Rutherford County, probate runs through the Chancery Court at 116 W. Lytle Street, Suite 5101 (Judicial Building), Murfreesboro. The court sits in the 16th Judicial District. Rutherford County is one of 20 Tennessee counties that accept probate e-filing; most probate courts in the state still take filings on paper.
Full Rutherford Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Chancery Court
Rutherford County · 16th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Register of Deeds
Rutherford County · Heather Dawbarn
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
$10 for the first 2 pages plus $5 for each page beyond 2; transfer tax may need separate review.
Full recording details →Verified September 8, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Chancery Court
The Chancery Court schedules probate hearings Chancery and probate dockets are published at rcchancery.com/dockets.
Personal representatives must make an accounting with the clerk within 15 months of qualification and annually thereafter until the estate is fully administered. If accountings are waived by the will, a status report on remaining estate issues is required on the same schedule.
Tennessee Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Rutherford County.
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