Asked in Family Law and Probate for Tennessee

Q: My father died 5.5 years ago. His family intentionally kept the information from me. I am his only child. Rights? Do I?

He died December 20, 2011 in Tennessee. His family not only failed to inform me, but purposely left me out of his obituary. Upon contacting a cousin on FaceBook, I've already caught him in a lie. I've decided to go high and be polite, but I'm hurt and in a rage. What are my rights as his only child?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Anthony M. Avery
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Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • Knoxville, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: You need to search for assets he owned at death. You should start at the County he lived in or frequented, and go to the Assessor and the Register of Deeds. Check for any Probate activity at the probable County's Chancery or Probate Court. If you find some land he owned you may be able to set aside the conveyances and assert ownership as the Sole Heir-At-Law. However claiming money, jewelry, firearms or securities would be difficult.You did not provide enough information. Should you find something, contact a competent attorney at once that practices in Chancery.

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