Skip to main content
SimplyTrust
SimplyTrust
Create a TrustNewForms & ToolsFreeResourcesStates
LoginGet started
FormsFormsToolsTools
FormsTools
Company
AboutCareersContactFormsCreate a TrustNew
Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSecurityAI Access

© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc.

SimplyTrust Logo

Every family deserves a plan. We'll help.

Get startedApp StoreGoogle Play

Forms

  • Revocable Trust
  • Last Will
  • Pour-Over Will
  • Healthcare Proxy
  • Financial POA
  • Transfer on Death Deed

Tools

  • Trust vs Will
  • Probate Calculator
  • Who Inherits
  • Estate Settlement
  • Death Tax Calculator
  • Life Insurance

Learn

  • Revocable Living Trusts
  • Last Will and Testaments
  • Articles
  • State Guides
  • Estate Law
  • Life Events

Directories

  • Law Firms
  • Financial Assets
  • Digital Assets
  • Government Agencies

Company

  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Create a Trust

SimplyTrust is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal counsel, or attorney review. Information on this platform is for general informational purposes only. Use of SimplyTrust does not create an attorney-client relationship. You are solely responsible for all documents you create. For advice tailored to your circumstances, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy·Terms of Service·Security··AI Access

All content, data, and calculations are proprietary. Automated scraping, systematic downloading, or data extraction is prohibited under our Terms of Service. Product visuals are simulated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual experience. Logos provided by Logo.dev.

A will is a wish. A trust is a plan.

Create and manage your trust online.

How it works

No probate. No public record. No court.

Estate Ledger

Every decision signed, timestamped, and hashed

Pricing

Simple, transparent pricing

Download

Get the app on iOS and Android

Home→Tools→Self-File Probate Assessment→Tennessee→DeKalb County

Can You Self-File Probate in DeKalb County, Tennessee?

Find out if you can handle probate yourself, see estimated cost savings vs. hiring an attorney, and get a step-by-step filing checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Self-filing in DeKalb County works best for straightforward estates with a clear will and few beneficiaries.

File at the Chancery Court, 1 Public Square, Room 302, Smithville, TN 37166. Phone: 615-597-4360. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

DeKalb County offers e-filing for probate matters. Tennessee E-Filing Portal available for chancery court probate cases.

DeKalb County doesn't have a dedicated probate self-help center, so self-filers should confirm local procedures with the court clerk.

Yes, you can file probate without a lawyer in Tennessee, though the process may require more effort depending on estate complexity.T.C.A. §§ 30-4-102/30-4-103 (small estate; amended by HB0337/2023), 30-2-306 (publication), 30-2-306(b)/30-2-307/30-2-310 (creditor claims), 30-1-201 (bond), 30-2-606/30-1-407 (compensation)Verified May 1, 2026 Many Tennessee courts offer self-help resources and standardized forms.

Court filing fees in Tennessee vary by county.T.C.A. §§ 30-4-102/30-4-103 (small estate; amended by HB0337/2023), 30-2-306 (publication), 30-2-306(b)/30-2-307/30-2-310 (creditor claims), 30-1-201 (bond), 30-2-606/30-1-407 (compensation)Verified May 1, 2026 Self-filing costs typically include the court petition fee, publication costs, and bond premiums. The filing fee is a fraction of total probate costs. See a full breakdown with the Tennessee probate calculator.

Can You Self-File Probate in DeKalb County, Tennessee?

Self-filing probate in DeKalb County means working directly with the Chancery Court. This tool evaluates whether self-filing is feasible for your estate.

Probate filings for DeKalb County go through the Chancery Court at 1 Public Square, Room 302, Smithville, TN 37166. Phone: 615-597-4360. Email: nicole.wright@tncourts.gov.

DeKalb County offers e-filing for probate proceedings. Tennessee E-Filing Portal available for chancery court probate cases.

DeKalb County doesn't have a dedicated probate self-help center, so confirm forms, copies, and appointment requirements with the court clerk.

Probate matters here are heard by Nicole Wright, Clerk and Master.

For smaller estates under $50,000, Tennessee offers Small Estate Probate Act Petition that can avoid formal probate entirely.

Your kids shouldn't have to do this.

Court filings, creditor windows, frozen accounts — a revocable living trust skips them all.

Get startedApp StoreGoogle Play

Tennessee Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Tennessee probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

Is this your situation?

Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.

Named as Executor

Named as Executor

Being named executor means navigating probate, managing assets, and distributing the estate. What's expected, what you can charge, and how to start.

Learn more