Choose the estate-planning or probate service you need in Murfreesboro

Planning while you can make the decisions

A will concerns choices for an estate after death. Trust planning concerns a separate document and the assets arranged around it. Financial powers of attorney and health care documents address other decisions. Ask how the pieces fit together rather than choosing a document from its name alone.

A coordinated review should include existing documents, ownership and beneficiary designations. If your first question is about a will, prepare the names of the people you want to provide for, your proposed executor and any family circumstances that need discussion.

Administering a trust after a death

If there is a trust, gather the complete trust and amendments and record what property is associated with it. The job of administering a trust is different from writing a new estate plan and should not be assumed to replace every possible probate issue. Bring the documents and inventory so those questions can be assessed.

Considering a Rutherford County probate matter

Rutherford County publishes its own estate-and-will information, rules and forms. The Chancery Court also publishes information about its role in estate matters. Establish the deceased person’s residence, the property locations and the documents before treating any form as the correct next step.

If the person lived outside Tennessee but owned Tennessee property, say so at the beginning of the inquiry. The firm’s ancillary-probate service addresses a different situation from a routine planning appointment.

Start with the material you have

• Your existing will, trust, amendments and related planning documents.
• Ownership and beneficiary details for accounts and property.
• For administration: available death records and the documents identifying your role.
• A brief list of urgent correspondence or filing dates, without assuming a deadline from another estate.