Whitwell, TN asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Personal Injury for Tennessee

Q: How can I handle my late fiancé's assets and wishes without probate?

My fiancé of 18 years recently passed away, and her family is relentlessly asking for information about her assets. We owned our home jointly with rights of survivorship, which is now solely in my name. We shared a joint bank account, but she also had an account in her name that was generally used for bills. Her unfinished will stated that everything goes to me, except for a ring that should go to her son. Her verbal statement, supported by witnesses, was that if something happens to me, everything should then go to two of my grandchildren. Despite her clear wishes, her family is making decisions against them, like donating her organs and planning a cremation, which she did not want. What are my options for handling the situation and ensuring her wishes are respected, without getting everything tied up in probate?

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