How Do I File Probate in Williamson County, Tennessee?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the Chancery Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
Probate documents in Williamson 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 21st Judicial District.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationCan You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Chancery Court is realistic for your situation.
The Clerk & Master publishes probate forms and a fees & costs schedule on its forms page.
Get the Williamson County probate forms →For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Williamson County Self-Filing Assessment.
Williamson 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
21st Judicial District requires proposed orders submitted with petitions
Williamson County Chancery Court requires proposed orders to be submitted at the time of filing for uncontested probate matters including appointment of personal representative.
Source: 21st Judicial District Local Rules
Document Requirements
Inventory must be filed within 60 days of appointment
Personal representatives must file an inventory of estate assets within 60 days of receiving letters testamentary or letters of administration. T.C.A. 30-2-301.
Source: T.C.A. 30-2-301
In-Person Filing
The Chancery Court is located at 135 Fourth Avenue South, Room 236, Franklin, TN 37064. Phone: (615) 790-5428. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
What to Bring
To file at the Chancery Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Court Resources
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Chancery Court website.
Court information verified June 2, 2026 · Source
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Chancery Court in Williamson County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($275). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Williamson County uses the standard Tennessee probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
Tennessee permits self-representation, but formal probate procedures make it impractical for most families. The Chancery Court staff can accept filings but cannot give legal advice. Check the Tennessee self-filing assessment before deciding.
Yes. The Chancery Court in Williamson County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
Chancery Court
Williamson County
135 Fourth Avenue South, Room 236
Franklin, TN 37064
Phone:
(615) 790-5428Fax:
(615) 790-5432
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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