Probate Attorney in Franklin, TN

Probate Services We Provide for Franklin Families

We assist executors, administrators, heirs, and beneficiaries through every phase of probate and estate administration. Whether your loved one left a detailed will or passed away without one, our team guides you through the court filings, creditor notifications, asset inventories, and final distributions that Williamson County Chancery Court requires.

Our probate and estate planning services include:

• Probate administration from initial filing through final accounting and asset distribution
• Will preparation and validation, including guidance when a will’s authenticity or terms are in question
• Executor and administrator support, helping fiduciaries meet their legal duties to the estate and its beneficiaries
• Trust drafting and administration, including living trusts designed to help assets pass outside of probate
• Powers of attorney, living wills, and advance directives
• Guardianships for minor beneficiaries when children stand to inherit from an estate

Our team-based model means your case draws on the knowledge of our entire legal team, which can be especially important for contested claims or complex family relationships.

How Probate Works in Williamson County

Probate matters in Franklin are filed with the Williamson County Chancery Court. The judges of the 21st Judicial District oversee probate for Williamson County and several neighboring counties, which makes thorough preparation important for keeping your case on track.

When a valid will exists, the named executor has a fiduciary duty to gather and inventory assets, notify creditors, settle debts and taxes, and distribute what remains to the beneficiaries. When someone dies without a will, Tennessee’s intestate succession laws dictate how the estate is divided among surviving relatives, and the court appoints an administrator to carry out those same duties.

Not every estate requires full probate. Under Tennessee law, estates valued at $50,000 or less in personal property may qualify for a simplified process through a Petition for Limited Letters of Administration of a Small Estate, though a 45-day waiting period after death applies before the petition can be filed. Assets held in living trusts, joint tenancy property, and accounts with named beneficiaries typically pass outside of probate entirely. We review each client’s situation to see whether a simplified path or probate-avoidance strategy is available.

Why Franklin Families Work With Blood Law, PLLC

Many probate practices in the Franklin area operate as solo offices or limit their work to estate cases. We take a broader, team-based approach. Our attorneys handle family law and estate planning every day, so we recognize when a probate case is about to intersect with a custody dispute, a guardianship issue, or a contested divorce settlement. That cross-practice perspective helps us anticipate and address issues before they escalate.

A Connected Legal Team
When you hire our firm, you don’t get a single attorney working in isolation. You get a team that collaborates on strategy, shares institutional knowledge, and covers for one another so your case doesn’t stall. For high-net-worth estates with business interests or multi-state property, that team structure supports a smoother administration.

Communication You Can Count On
Families dealing with contested wills, disputes among beneficiaries, or questions about an executor’s conduct need clear answers on a reliable timeline. We provide consistent updates at each milestone and explain what’s coming next, because confusion during probate creates friction that can turn families against each other.

Accessible From Anywhere
With our Franklin office and virtual consultations, families across Williamson County and greater Middle Tennessee can reach our full team without rearranging their schedules. Attorney Anna Blood founded this firm in 2017 with the goal of making quality legal services accessible, and that commitment drives everything from our consultation options to our attorneys’ involvement in local events and charitable initiatives throughout the communities we serve. Our attorneys also contribute to podcasts and media outlets on family law and estate cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Probate Take in Tennessee?

The timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether any disputes arise. A straightforward estate with no contested issues may resolve within several months. Estates involving will contests, complex assets, or unresolved creditor claims can extend well beyond a year. Court scheduling in Williamson County is also a factor.

What Happens If Someone Dies Without a Will?

Tennessee’s intestate succession laws determine how the estate is distributed among surviving relatives. The Williamson County Chancery Court appoints an administrator to handle the same duties an executor would, including asset gathering, creditor notification, and distribution.

Do I Need an Attorney for Probate?

Tennessee doesn’t require legal representation for every probate case, but the filing requirements, creditor notice deadlines, and court accountings involved create real risk of costly errors or delays. An attorney can also identify whether your situation qualifies for a small estate procedure or whether probate-avoidance planning could simplify the process.

Talk to Our Franklin Probate Team

The sooner you understand your obligations and options, the sooner your family can move forward. We offer virtual consultations for families who can’t visit our Franklin office, and our concierge communication model means you’ll have clarity from your first call through final distribution.

Whether you’re an executor trying to fulfill a loved one’s wishes, a beneficiary with questions about your rights, or a family working through a disputed estate, our team is ready to help.

Contact Blood Law, PLLC at (704) 286-0570 to schedule your probate consultation today.