Tennessee Estate Planning Lawyers
Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, your assets, and your peace of mind. At Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette, we help individuals and families create comprehensive plans that secure their legacies and minimize legal complications. As experienced Tennessee estate planning lawyer advocates, we make sure your wishes are clearly documented and your loved ones are protected for years to come.
Understanding Estate Planning in Tennessee
Estate planning is more than just writing a will—it’s about making thoughtful decisions that protect your financial future and your family’s stability. A strong estate plan can help avoid probate, reduce taxes, and ensure your wishes are honored even if you become incapacitated.
We assist clients with all aspects of estate planning, including:
- Wills and trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Living wills and advance health care directives
- Asset protection and business succession
- Guardianship designations for minor children
- Probate avoidance and estate administration
Every plan is customized to reflect your personal goals, assets, and family dynamics.
The Importance of Having a Will
A will is the foundation of most estate plans. It outlines how your property will be distributed, who will serve as executor, and who will care for minor children. Without a valid will, Tennessee law determines how your estate is divided—a process that may not reflect your wishes. Our attorneys draft clear, legally sound wills that provide certainty and reduce the risk of disputes among family members.
Trusts and Asset Protection
Trusts offer flexibility and privacy that wills cannot. They can help avoid probate, manage assets during your lifetime, and control how your estate is distributed after your death. We create various types of trusts, including revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and special needs trusts. Trusts are also useful for protecting assets from creditors or long-term care costs. Our goal is to help you protect what you’ve built and ensure that your assets pass efficiently to those you choose.
Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives
Estate planning also involves preparing for the unexpected. A power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to handle your financial affairs if you become unable to do so. A health care directive (living will) ensures that your medical preferences are followed if you are incapacitated. These documents protect your autonomy and spare your loved ones from difficult decisions.
Probate and Estate Administration
After a person passes away, their estate may go through probate—a court-supervised process of settling debts and distributing assets. We guide families through every step, from validating wills to distributing inheritances. Our attorneys also handle complex estate matters, such as disputed wills or contested property claims, ensuring that the process moves smoothly and fairly.
Why Choose Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette
Choosing the right Tennessee estate planning attorneys can make a lasting difference in how your estate is managed. Our firm provides decades of experience, personalized strategies, and a deep understanding of Tennessee estate and probate law. Clients trust us because we offer practical solutions that protect families, minimize taxes, and preserve legacies. We value clear communication, attention to detail, and a compassionate approach that treats every client like family.
Common Mistakes in Estate Planning
Many people put off estate planning or assume a simple will is enough. Unfortunately, these mistakes can lead to costly disputes and confusion. Some of the most common errors include:
- Failing to update documents after major life changes.
- Not naming backup executors or beneficiaries.
- Overlooking digital assets, such as online accounts.
- Forgetting to plan for incapacity or disability.
- Not considering estate taxes or long-term care costs.
We review every detail of your plan to ensure nothing is overlooked and that your documents remain up to date with current Tennessee law.
Updating and Maintaining Your Estate Plan
Estate plans should evolve as your life changes. Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or major financial shifts can all impact your documents. We recommend reviewing your estate plan every few years or after significant life events. Our firm provides ongoing support, making updates easy and ensuring your plan continues to reflect your current needs and priorities.
Tennessee Estate Planning FAQs
What happens if I die without a will in Tennessee?
The state’s intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not match your wishes.
How can I avoid probate?
Establishing a trust or properly titling assets can help your estate bypass the probate process.
What is a power of attorney?
A power of attorney authorizes someone you trust to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf.
Do I need both a will and a trust?
Many people benefit from having both—a will for certain assets and a trust for probate avoidance and long-term planning.
Can I change my estate plan later?
Yes. You can update or modify most estate planning documents as long as you are of sound mind.
How do I name a guardian for my children?
You can designate a guardian in your will to ensure your children are cared for by someone you trust.
Do you handle probate cases?
Yes. We guide families through the Tennessee probate process, resolving disputes and managing estate administration.
Do you charge upfront fees for estate planning?
We offer transparent pricing and flexible arrangements depending on your needs.
Serving Clients Across Tennessee
- Clinton
- Gatlinburg
- Knoxville
- LaFollette
- Maryville
- Pigeon Forge
- Sevierville
- Nashville
- Chattanooga
- Oak Ridge
- Memphis
- Kingsport
- Johnson City
Contact Our Tennessee Estate Planning Lawyers
Planning your estate is one of the best gifts you can give your loved ones. At Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette, we make the process straightforward, secure, and personalized to your goals. Contact us today for a confidential consultation with a dedicated Tennessee estate planning lawyer who will help you protect your legacy and provide peace of mind for the future.