Where do I file for probate in Davidson County, TN?

Probate petitions for estates in Davidson County are filed at the Davidson County Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Davidson County?

Probate filing fees in Davidson County, Tennessee vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Davidson County?

While not always legally required in Tennessee, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Tennessee, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Davidson County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Davidson County Probate Court, Tennessee

Q: How long does probate take in Tennessee?

Probate in Tennessee typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Court Location & Contact

Address

1 Public Square, Suite 302, Nashville, TN 37201

Phone

615-862-5980

Fax

615-862-5987

Email

probateclerksupport@jisnashville.gov

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Davidson County, Tennessee

Fee Type	Amount
Petition to Probate Will	$334.50
Petition for Letter of Administration	$334.50
Small Estate Petition with Will	$334.50
Small Estate Petition without Will	$334.50
Petition to Probate for Muniment of Title only	$334.50
Petition for Conservatorship or Guardianship	$334.50
Petition for Name Change	$159.50
Petition for Emancipation, Legitimation	$159.50
Petition to Correct a Birth Certificate	$209.50
Petition to Sell Real Property; Year's Support, Exempt Property, or Homestead; Insolvency; or Interpretation	$200.00
Petition to Re-open	$75.00
Trust Matters or any other case not otherwise provided for	$334.50

Judges & Officers

JA

Judge Andra Hedrick

Court Documents & Links

Probate Docket Schedule_25fees Probate Court ZOOM Policy – Effective July 1, 2024other **Probate Court Filing Notice – Effective May 1, 2023**other Local-Rules_Circuit_FINAL_070119rules Fourth Circuit Court Chamber Rules (Published 1/15/25)rules

Probate Guide

Probate in Davidson County, Tennessee

The Davidson County Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Davidson County, TN, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Tennessee, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Tennessee?

Probate is generally required when:

The deceased owned real estate solely in their name
The estate contains assets above Tennessee's small estate threshold
There are disputes among heirs or creditors
Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Davidson County

Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate
File a petition with the Davidson County Probate Court to open probate
Notify heirs and creditors as required by Tennessee law
Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities
Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds
Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws
Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Tennessee, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Tennessee does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Davidson County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Davidson County Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Additional Notes

The Probate Court Clerk's Office manages clerk-related duties for cases filed in the Seventh Circuit Court – Probate Division. This court has exclusive jurisdiction in Davidson County over matters concerning the administration of estates, including the probate of wills. As such, it is commonly known as the Davidson County Probate Court. In addition to estate matters, the Probate Court shares concurrent jurisdiction over the establishment and oversight of conservatorships and guardianships. The court also handles a variety of other legal matters, including but not limited to: Adult and minor name changes, Emancipations, Legitimations, Legal issues involving trusts.

Davidson County