Estate Planning & Probate in Smith County, Tennessee
Smith County estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the Chancery Court.
The Probate Process in Smith 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 Smith County, probate runs through the Chancery Court at 322 Justice Drive, Suite 105, Carthage. The court sits in the 15th Judicial District. Smith County shares the 15th Judicial District with Jackson, Macon, Trousdale and Wilson.
Full Smith Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Chancery Court
Smith County · 15th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Register of Deeds
Smith County · Jerri Lin Vaden-Malone
Address
Phone
Hours
$10 for the first 2 pages plus $5 for each page beyond 2; transfer tax may need separate review.
Full recording details →Verified July 14, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Chancery Court
The Chancery Court schedules probate hearings The Chancellor sits in Smith County three times a year (the first full week of February, June, and October) for trials; motion days for matters of fifteen minutes or less are held in Wilson County (Lebanon) the first and third Friday of each month for all five counties of the 15th Judicial District.
The Smith County Clerk & Master files and maintains all records for the Chancery Court and Probate Court, including the opening and closing of estates, small estates, appointment of executors and administrators, and inventory filings. The office also collects delinquent property taxes.
Tennessee Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Smith County.
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