Understanding the Probate Process: Step-by-Step for Beginners

Yes. In Tennessee, you can appoint an independent person to handle your estate, but the term you will usually see in the law is “personal representative.” If you have a will, your personal representative is typically called an executor. If you do not have a will, the court appoints an administrator.

When a loved one becomes unable to make sound decisions about their personal care, health, or finances, family members often ask: “Can I step in to help legally?”

Estate planning can feel complex, especially when you encounter legal terms like Power of Attorney and Probate. Although both play critical roles in managing your affairs, they apply at different stages of life and serve very different purposes.

Parents generally expect to care for and make decisions for their children until they reach adulthood. But life can bring unforeseen circumstances, such as incapacity, death, or other challenges, that make it prudent (or necessary) to plan for who will step in. Guardianship can provide a legal framework to protect a minor child’s welfare. However, …

When people think of an estate plan, often the focus is on providing for the family, minimizing taxes, and avoiding probate. But many also wish to leave a meaningful legacy, a gift to a cause, organization, or mission they care about. Thoughtfully including charitable giving in your estate plan allows your values to endure beyond …

Planning for the future of a loved one with disabilities can raise difficult questions: how to protect their financial well‐being, ensure they receive needed care, and at the same time preserve eligibility for government benefits.