What to Do When Someone Dies in Sullivan County, Tennessee

How probate works in Sullivan 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

Sullivan County Chancery Court

Sullivan County · 2nd Judicial District

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Office

140 Blountville By-Pass, Room 201, Blountville, TN 37617

Self-represented filing

Allowed

Self-help forms

Court forms packet

Open in Google Maps

Self-represented filing

AllowedUnder the district's local rules the Clerk and Master may provide forms to self-represented persons in estates of not more than $50,000 net, counting real and personal property, other than insolvent estates. The forms page carries the small estate petition with limited letters, the waiver of bond, inventory and accountings, the claim against estate, the notice to creditors and the TennCare notice affidavit.

Accepted payment

  • At the counterPersonal checks are not accepted. Court costs can also be paid online through the court's Pay Court Cost Online link.

Verified October 16, 2026 · Source

How Probate Works in Sullivan 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 Sullivan County, probate runs through the Chancery Court at 140 Blountville By-Pass, Room 201, Blountville. The court sits in the 2nd Judicial District.

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 Sullivan County

What probate costs in Sullivan 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 140 Blountville By-Pass, Room 201, Blountville. The court is part of the 2nd Judicial District.

Procedures at this court that affect cost: Every fiduciary signs a fee form on appointment; 2026 filing fee schedule published; no personal checks accepted.

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 cases in Sullivan County are filed at the Chancery Court. File in person during business hours or by mail. The court sits in the 2nd Judicial District.

Beside the filing office, the court lists separate lines for Kingsport Office and Bristol Office.

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 Sullivan County Self-Filing Assessment.

Sullivan 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 hears applications for letters and estate accounts

Unless the court orders otherwise, the Clerk and Master hears applications for letters testamentary and of administration, claims and exceptions, allowances to the surviving spouse and family, and all accounts and settlements. Exceptions to the Clerk and Master's report are filed within ten days.

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 Sullivan County

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

Vital Records Office Record

Local Health Department

Sullivan County · Sullivan County Regional Health Department, Vital Records

Hours

Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM-noon and 1:00 PM-4:00 PM

Office

154 Blountville Bypass, Blountville, TN 37617

Certified copies

Issued the same day

Order online

VitalChek

Open in Google Maps

Mail

Attn: Vital Records 154 Blountville Bypass P.O. Box 630 Blountville, TN 37617

Fax

1-423-279-2797

Verified November 2, 2026 · Source

Coroner or Medical Examiner Record

Medical Examiner

Sullivan County · Medical Examiner/Coroner's Office of Sullivan County

Office

3411 Highway 126, Blountville, TN 37617

Open in Google Maps

Verified November 2, 2026 · Source

Transferring Property in Sullivan 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 Sullivan County are recorded with the Register of Deeds at 3411 Highway 126, Suite 101, Blountville, TN 37617. Phone: 1-423-323-6420. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (except designated holidays).

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

Recording Office Record

Register of Deeds

Sullivan County

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (except designated holidays)

Office

3411 Highway 126, Suite 101, Blountville, TN 37617

Open in Google Maps

Fax

1-423-279-2771

Verified October 17, 2026 · Source

Forms that put a death on the title

Probate Attorneys Serving Sullivan County

Tennessee uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Sullivan 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 Sullivan 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

FirmKingsport, TN

Hunter, Smith & Davis, LLP

Since 1916 · Serves 3 counties

Hunter, Smith & Davis has practiced in the Tri-Cities since 1916, from Kingsport and a Johnson City office serving Washington and Carter counties. Its probate lawyers help personal representatives open the estate, give notice, pay debts and taxes, distribute assets and file the final accounting, and the estate group handles estate tax controversies.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateTax PlanningSpecial Needs Planningand 2 more

Office
1212 North Eastman RoadKingsport, TN 37664

FirmBristol, TN

Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, P.C.

Since 1909 · Serves 2 counties

Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin practices from Bristol and serves Sullivan County, Kingsport and Johnson City. Its probate attorneys guide executors through estate administration: notice to heirs, the estate account, settling debts, the inventory, selling real property, estate tax returns and the accounting. The firm also handles conservatorships and has served Bristol since 1909.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateConservatorshipWills

Office
777 Anderson StBristol, TN 37620

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
See all 10 firms serving Sullivan 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.

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Legal Sources

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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

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Notify Banks & Financial Institutions

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