Probate

A will is a legal document outlining the distribution of an individual’s estate after they die. However, circumstances sometimes arise that cause family members or beneficiaries to question the authenticity or relevance of a will. As a result, they may decide to contest the will. In such cases, the assistance of an experienced Chattanooga probate…

If you are trying to decide whether it is necessary to hire a probate litigation lawyer, there is probably a good chance that you could benefit from one. A probate litigation lawyer can assist you in many ways, ensuring that the legal process remains as smooth and stress-free as possible for you. However, not everyone…

People draft wills to ensure that their estates are divided the way they wish. A will also informs their family members about who will get what when it comes to their assets and belongings. When there are several children or grandchildren involved, it typically takes a lot of thought and careful consideration when creating this…

Undue influence is one method of challenging the validity of a will. Other methods include contesting whether the decedent had the testamentary capacity to make a will and whether the will was properly executed. Normally, an undue influence claim is asserted when the heirs who normally would have received part or all of an inheritance…

Some testators try to avoid probate disputes about the legitimacy of their will by including a provision that anyone who challenges the legitimacy of the will will not be able to receive any distributions from the will. This provision may be called an anti-contest provision or a no-contest provision. A will is prepared by a…

Inheriting assets can be a bittersweet experience, but what if the prospect of accepting an inheritance doesn’t align with your circumstances or preferences? While it may seem counterintuitive to some people to reject an inheritance, the answer is, generally, yes. This is known as “disclaiming” or “renouncing” an inheritance. There are a variety of motivations…

Being chosen as an executor to oversee the distribution of a loved one’s assets and settle their affairs is an honor, but it can also be a huge responsibility. In Chattanooga, as elsewhere, this role entails various duties, including ensuring that debts and liabilities are appropriately addressed. However, when a lawsuit arises against the estate,…

In the past, almost all of a person’s property was either physical assets, cash, or funds in the bank. However, that has changed a lot over the years, and more and more people now own digital assets. If your deceased loved one owned any digital assets and you want to ensure that they are not…

After your spouse or parent passes away, you may realize that some of their assets are missing from their will. They might have told you about specific property, savings, or money that you would receive, but none of these assets are mentioned in the will. This may require you to go through a probate court…

You may have woken up to a phone call stating that you are the executor of your Uncle Kevin’s will and estate. This may come as a complete surprise as you may not have felt very close to him or thought that you would be anyone’s executor for many years to come. However, your uncle…