Asked in Probate for Tennessee

Q: This question is about TN probate ....will waiting a year before filling for probate stop debit collectors

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Nina Whitehurst
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Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • Crossville, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: Yes and no. Waiting a year will have minimal to no impact on secured creditors. They can always foreclose on their collateral even after a year has passed from date of death.

Also, the one year statute of limitations does not apply to Tenncare and most other government agencies/entities. The government always makes exceptions for itself.

And, if it was a joint creditor (e.g. creditor of both husband and wife, one of whom has passed), the creditor can still expect payment from the surviving debtor.

Finally, in the meantime, a creditor can always open its own probate case within that one year period in order to collect.

So, as with so many things, there is no simple black and white, cut and dried answer. If you have particular concerns about your situation, you should consult with an attorney.

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