Forest Hills Wills Lawyer

Wills Attorney In Forest Hills, TN

Many people undervalue the importance of a will. While many wish to avoid thinking about their own death, the action you take now can ensure your loved ones are taken care of and minimize future trouble. A skilled Forest Hills, TN, wills lawyer can assist you in creating arrangements that match your concerns and protect your legacy.

About Us

Emmack Probate and Estate Law Group has spent years helping the people of Forest Hills, Franklin, Nashville, and other surrounding cities draft their wills. Our founder, Shanone Emmack, takes a client-first approach that is personalized to each person’s circumstances. We provide one-on-one representation to give you the attention you deserve.

For individuals who want a complete plan beyond wills, our Forest Hills estate planning lawyer can help coordinate trusts, powers of attorney, and other essential legal documents to safeguard your family’s future.

Overview of Wills in Tennessee

Wills are one of the most common types of estate plans utilized by people across the country. In 2025, 24% of people had a will, compared to the 13% with a living trust and 4% with other estate planning documents. Most of the population reported having no estate planning, stating that they knew it was important, but hadn’t gotten around to it yet.

A Last Will and Testament, or will, is a vital piece of estate planning that cements your wishes for when you are gone. Wills in Tennessee typically comprise three parties. The first is the testator, the person who creates the will. Next is the executor or personal representative. This individual is responsible for carrying out your wishes when they take effect. The final party is the beneficiaries, those who receive property from your estate.

In Tennessee, there are two main types of wills. Attested, formal wills are the most frequent category, with the provisions typed out and signed by the testator and two witnesses. Handwritten, or holographic, wills require that all contents be written in the testator’s handwriting, with two witnesses to confirm. Attested wills are generally recommended as a first choice, as they protect against confusion and being challenged during probate.
When a handwritten will is submitted to court, Tennessee’s rules on handwritten wills explain how judges confirm that the document is valid and reflects what the person truly intended.

Probate is the legal procedure by which your estate is managed with court oversight. Most wills require probate if all assets in the estate are worth more than $50,000. Forest Hills probate is handled through the Davidson County Probate Clerk’s Office, located at 1 Public Square #303, Nashville, TN 37201.

What Is Included in a Last Will and Testament in Tennessee?

What you include in your will depends on your specific circumstances. The details change on a case-by-case basis, with contents following a broad outline. Components of a will typically include:

• Testator’s information. This includes your basic personal information.
• Estate. A list of the assets, debts, and property that make up your estate.
• Appointment of the executor. You choose the person who is financially responsible for managing your estate. Some include an alternate choice in case their primary personal representative is unable to serve for any reason.
• Specific instructions. You can include precise details for how your estate is managed.
• Identification of family and beneficiaries. If the testator wants to intentionally leave someone out, it should be written explicitly in the will.
• Distribution of property. You can detail how your debts and expenses are to be paid, and who gets which belongings. An optional inclusion is a residuary clause that names a person who gets nonspecified assets in your estate.
• Guardianship for minor children. If you have children under the age of 18, naming a guardian is crucial in ensuring your child is taken care of by the right person.
• Funeral guidelines. Your will can make sure that your funeral is carried out according to your wishes.

If the executor you chose can’t serve, Tennessee law explains what happens when an executor is unable or unwilling to act, helping ensure your will is still carried out properly.

Hire a Wills Lawyer

Creating a will can be a confusing and frustrating process to go through alone. Hire a wills lawyer to help you in creating your estate plan and drafting any documents. Your Forest Hills wills attorney can help prevent easy mistakes and draft the contents of your will in clear language, minimizing the chance of confusion later on. Emmack Probate and Estate Law Group can make a will that makes your wishes known and will hold up in court if necessary.

FAQs

Can a Will in Tennessee Be Handwritten and Still Valid?

In Tennessee, a will can be handwritten and still be valid if it follows set guidelines. A handwritten will is deemed holographic. Unlike other types of wills, witnesses are not required to sign. Instead, two people are needed to confirm that the signature and all the contents are in the handwriting of the testator.

What Happens if You Die Without a Will in Tennessee?

If you die without a valid will in Tennessee, your estate goes through intestate succession laws. The courts dictate who your personal representative is and what family members receive based on a set hierarchy. Priority starts with your spouse, then adult children. Unadopted stepchildren and unmarried partners are excluded from the process. Without a will, any wishes you may have had are ignored in favor of the set guidelines.

How Much Does a Will Attorney Cost in Tennessee?

How much your Tennessee will attorney costs depends on the complication of your plans, the work hours it requires, and the pricing model. A simple will with minimal details using a flat fee structure is less expensive than a complex, multilayered document that requires retainer expenses. Emmack Probate and Estate Law Group offers free consultations, during which we can discuss how much your costs may be.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, you are not required to have a lawyer to make a will, but hiring one can make a positive difference in your case. Any small error or confusing language in the will can cause trouble for your family when it takes effect. Legal counsel can avoid easy mistakes and ensure that necessary provisions are included.

Speak With a Forest Hills Wills Attorney Today

Emmack Probate and Estate Law Group understands how intimidating creating a will can be. Our team has the legal skill, knowledge, and experience that can make the process smooth and efficient.

Contact us today for a free consultation, where we can discuss what provisions to include in your will. Together, we can craft an enforceable will that is clear and covers all of your wishes.

Forest Hills Wills Resources

• Does the executor of a will have the final say in Tennessee?

• Proving undue influence in Tennessee

• Tennessee probate process