Probate Attorneys

Schedule a Confidential Consultation With a Top Knoxville Probate Lawyer

At The Ebbert Law Firm, our Knoxville probate lawyer is a skilled, experienced, and solutions forward advocate for clients. Our law office is in Knoxville, TN firmly committed to the notion that every client deserves personalized legal representation. If you have any specific questions or concerns about the probate process, we are here as a resource. Contact us at our Knoxville, TN office today to set up a completely confidential, no obligation initial consultation with a top-tier Tennessee probate law attorney.

An Overview of the Probate Process in Knoxville, Tennessee

When a person passes away, their estate needs to be “settled” with an experienced probate attorney before their property and assets can be passed on to the rightful heirs. In Knoxville, Tennessee, East Tennessee, and other areas in the state, an estate is settled through a court-supervised process known as probate. It is a procedure during which a probate court confirms the validity of the decedent’s will (or lack thereof), identifies their property, notifies relevant parties, and distributes assets to finalize the estate. Probate cases can be split into two categories in Knoxville, TN:

• Probate With a Will: When a person dies leaving a valid will, the process is known as testate probate. The will typically names an executor responsible for managing the estate’s affairs. The executor is the party who is responsible for filing the will in the appropriate probate court and seeking approval to act on the estate’s behalf. If you have any questions about probate with a will in Tennessee, our Knoxville probate law attorney can help. 
• The Tennessee Probate Process Without a Last Will: If a person dies without a will in Knoxville, TN, their estate undergoes intestate probate. In effect, this means that they will lose the ability to control what happens to their own property/assets. Instead, state laws dictate how the estate is distributed. The court appoints an administrator, often a close relative, to manage the estate and any estate planning documents. If you have any questions about probate without a will in Tennessee, our Knoxville probate lawyers can help provide excellent probate services.

Note: Tennessee offers a small estate alternative to probate called “small estate administration.” It is a simplified process available for estates valued at $50,000 or less—not counting certain exempt assets. Small estate administration involves less paperwork. It can be quicker and less costly with a lawyer. 

Our Law Office Assist Clients With the Full Range of Probate Matters in Knoxville, TN

It is normal to have a lot of questions about probate services. Whether it’s questions on child custody, filing tax forms, living wills, or probate litigation, our probate attorney is committed to helping people and families in the Knoxville area handle all of their probate administration. No matter where you find yourself in the process—whether you are concerned about a smooth probate in the future or you are already well into a formal probate—our attorneys can help provide excellent legal services and represent clients in other legal matters. Along with other things, our Knoxville, TN probate law attorney has experience with:

• Avoiding Probate: To some degree, it may be possible to limit your estate’s exposure to probate. Indeed, some assets may be able to avoid probate and pass directly to the selected heir. Avoiding can save time, money, and ensure privacy. Strategies to avoid probate include setting up living trusts, joint ownership with the right of survivorship, and designating beneficiaries on accounts like life insurance and retirement funds. 
• Opening Probate: If probate is necessary, the first step is opening the process in court. Starting probate in Knox County involves submitting the deceased’s will—assuming that there is one—and other required documents. Our Knoxville probate lawyer assists in preparing and filing all of the required paperwork. 
• Handling Executor Requirements: Being named an executor of an estate is a significant responsibility. Executors must manage the estate’s affairs—from paying bills and taxes to handling legal challenges. We provide executors with comprehensive support. Among other things, we help executors understand their duties, maintain accurate records, and avoid personal liability. 
• Identification of Property: One of the most important tasks in probate is identifying and valuing the deceased’s property and distributing assets. The executor of the estate administrator is the party who is responsible for ensuring that all property that is covered by the estate is identified. Along with other assets, this typically includes real estate, bank accounts, and personal belongings. Our Knoxville probate lawyer works closely with executors to create a detailed inventory. We are detail-focused.
• Notification of Creditors: The executor of an estate in Tennessee has a proactive responsibility to ensure that creditors are notified in a timely manner. We handle the notification process. You can ensure that our firm will manage probate properly.
• Distribution of Assets to Heirs: Finally, the remaining assets are distributed to the heirs. If there’s a will, assets are distributed according to its instructions. Without a will, Tennessee’s intestacy laws apply. How long does probate typically take in Knoxville, Tennessee and other areas in the state? The answer depends entirely on the nature and complex of the estate. On the short end it could take a few months, but if a dispute arises, probate can take well over a year.

Why Rely On The Ebbert Law Firm for Probate Law Help in Knoxville, TN

Probate is complicated. When it goes wrong, it can be a long, frustrating, confusing, and even costly process. The right legal guidance and support from an experienced Tennessee attorney can make the difference. At The Ebbert Law Firm, our attorneys have more than 25 years of experience working with people and families in Tennessee. Our firm is proactive and solutions-driven. Among other things, our Knoxville probate law attorney will:

• Conduct a comprehensive and confidential review and evaluation of your case;
• Answer your most pressing probate law questions; 
• Help you gather and prepare all relevant documents and records;  
• Handle all of the probate paperwork; and
• Develop a personalized strategy to help you secure the best outcome.

Contact Our Knoxville Probate Lawyers for a Confidential Initial Consultation at Our Law Office

At The Ebbert Law Firm, our Knoxville, TN probate lawyer is a skilled, experienced, and a solutions-focused advocate for our clients. Have questions about the probate process? Our attorney is here to help. Give our attorneys a phone call now or contact us online today to arrange your completely confidential free consultation with a lawyer. From our law office in Knoxville, our lawyers provide probate law representation and business law services throughout Knox County, including in Farragut, Powell, and Mascot. Call our lawyers today for legal counsel!