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Tennessee Estate Planning Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law, Health Care Law and Estate Planning for Tennessee on
Q: Can the sister of a patient override the daughter if there's proof the patient didn't want his daughter involved?

This man has had his daughter banned from receiving any information about his health almost every time he has been admitted to the hospital and has told multiple friends and family members he doesn't want her involved. Somehow she figured out the password to come see him and has taken over as... View More

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Jan 5, 2018

Without a power of attorney for health care, the daughter is the next of kin. Legally she gets to make the call.

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Tennessee on
Q: My father recently passed away. He said he had a will and named his executor but the executor refuses to let me see it.

The executor has already sold everything my father owned and has taken over his accounts. My daters estate was in excess of 4 million dollars as the will was not submitted to probate. My father just passed away on August 22, 2017. Is there anything I can do about the way his executor handled my... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jan 4, 2018

There is no executor without a probated will. If you know what the will says, it might help. But the sole called executor might have been on his signature card, deeds, stock certificates, etc. You need to hire a competent attorney to investigate several different things. If the so called... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Tennessee on
Q: I'm in TN, I have assets I intend to give to my kids. If I marry her and sign a pre-nuptial agreement, what can she get?

I have 5 kids to take care and she agree to sign a pre-nuptial agreement rescinding her interest to my assets. My question is we are in early 60's and as long as I live I want to have the control of the assets. My question is, when the time comes she (she's older than me) need to go to... View More

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Dec 30, 2017

You need to consult a good estate planning attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Tennessee on
Q: If unmarried parent dies in Missouri & no will, to settle estate should we hire lawyer in MO or TN where we live?

Elderly parent lived in nursing home, on social security and medicaid, passed away. She had no will and divorced. Trying to settle her estate and get mail forwarded to us. So settling estate is left to us, since my husband's brother had pretty much disowned mom and had nothing to do with her... View More

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Jan 2, 2018

Generally, the deceased person's estate is governed by the law of the State where they resided at the time of death, so in this case, it sounds like you need a Missouri lawyer.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate, Small Claims and Wrongful Death for Tennessee on
Q: Could I sue my stepmom for not giving me anything or not coming up with my saving bonds?

My father killed himself in 2016. And I don't know the truth and I want to know if my stepmom or her family had anything to do with it. Also my great grandmother left savings bonds for me. And my stepmom will not give me anything of his or come up with my saving bonds. Also I'm not sure... View More

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Dec 29, 2017

You should consult a probate attorney. If your father left a will, you would have been entitled to notice of probate. If he didn't leave a will, you are entitled to a portion of his estate.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Tennessee on
Q: 10 months after giving my attorney my father's Will, he has not filed it. Can I get law enforcement involved?
Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Dec 18, 2017

You can try, but I suspect the Police will advise you to retain an attorney. Failure to exercise the duties of the executor can be the basis for having the executor removed/replaced. consult an experienced probate lawyer soon, this is not something you can do yourself.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Tennessee on
Q: If two people sign a power of attorney do both have to sign the revocation
Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Dec 21, 2017

It depends on what the power of attorney was for. If it was meant to convey authority of both people, then one person can revoke the power for the attorney to act on their behalf without the other revoking.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Elder Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Tennessee on
Q: Mother and father passed in November, 2017. They resided in Tennessee.This question covers multiple topics.

My mother passed on November 7th. My dad passed on November 30th. Their bank account was accessed by a family member who fraudentely obtained POA for my father without my consent or knowledge. The account has a negative balance. I would like to have the family member prosecuted for withdrawing... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Dec 12, 2017

It is doubtful that law enforcement will prosecute the theft.

The Next-Of-Kin can file a lawsuit against the Attorney-In-Fact who took the money for his/her own benefit. It is for Breach of Fiduciary Duty and any monies/property that he transferred to himself is presumed to be fraudulent...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Tennessee on
Q: in Tennessee can property be willed to a wife without her husband
Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Dec 7, 2017

Yes- if I understand your question correctly. The statute which defines "marital property" and "separate property"

provides that property acquired by inheritance is separate property, and separate property is NOT subject to division ( splitting up) in a divorce case. In...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Tennessee on
Q: I live in Tennessee. Do I have to give my late husbands sons a copy of his will?

My husband passed away with a will that left everything to me. His sons (one in AZ one in TN) said they cant believe they didn't get anything and consulted with an attorney. I'm thinking I may have to consult an attorney also. There is no estate. According to the will I own everything... View More

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Nov 16, 2017

If you have not submitted the will for probate, you should do so immediately.

In my opinion, any child, whether they are in the will or not, is entitled to see their parent's will. Its just the right thing to do. Wouldn't you want to see your mothers or fathers will? If there is...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Tennessee on
Q: Father died without a will.

My father died without a will. My brother in law is the executor. Probate is almost over. He and my sister want me and my other sister to sign over title to my father’s house to them. My sister and I want it divided fairly or they buy us out. Do I need my own attorney if there is a fight?

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Nov 15, 2017

Short answer YES

Longer answer even if there isn't a 'fight' it makes sense to have your own attorney review things.

Don't be penny wise and pound foolish about this. Getting advice from a local professional is always a good idea!

--This answer is...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Tennessee on
Q: My father died without will. I need to have the law fees taken out of the estate, is that possible

I’m the beneficiary of his life insurance & oldest of 2. We agree on everything. I have the latest deed, the death cert

He has a double mortgage on a 20 year old double wide located on 2 achers in Cunningham, TN

Very little property 2 older (90’s model) car & truck... View More

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Nov 15, 2017

The administrators fee and the attorneys fees of the administrator are priority expenses of the estate ( I think the funeral expense comes first). However, in most local jurisdictions, these fees are subject to court approval or are set by local court rules. In other words, the fees do indeed come... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Tennessee on
Q: My brother passed away in August.Am i considered a heir?

My niece is on drugs and about to lose the house.Id love to try to buy it for remaining balance.Would i be considered a heir of his?

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Nov 10, 2017

More information is needed to give a complete answer, but generally, if there is no will, the children and surviving spouse ( if any) of the deceased would inherit from the deceased. You are certainly "kin" - but not directly in line to inherit. If you are interested in buying the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Elder Law for Tennessee on
Q: Schedule A of a trust is blank. As sole beneficiary, successor trustee and spouse, how will assets be dispersed?

My husband (the grantor) created a trust and named himself the trustee. He named me the sole beneficiary as well as the successor trustee. The problem is the Schedule A/Assignment of Property does not actually mention what property. Is it assumed that all assets will go to me his current spouse of... View More

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Nov 10, 2017

A contest is certainly possible since there are NO assumptions. Based on what you have said, I suspect a contest is indeed likely. This is unfortunately a common problem with some " do-it -yourself" trust/estate planning documents: the documents get signed, but the transfers to be made to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Child Custody for Tennessee on
Q: If my daughters baby daddy lives in NC but has not bought her a single thing, what way will the courts go?

I live in Tn and she was born here in Tennessee and is an official resident of Tennessee. He has not contacted me since june and has contacted other people instead of me. I also have proof of him smoking weed and throwing a gang sign.

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Oct 30, 2017

You should file court papers to require him to pay you child support. However, be prepared to allow him time to visit and get to know the child. It may seem like he doesn't care about the child now, but the law says the best thing for the CHILD is for he/she to know and have a relationship... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Tennessee on
Q: Should I only have to pay 5% of the bills?

I am involved in a difficult situation with my grandmothers will. She died almost 4 years ago and the will has not been done. Her house is still full of possessions and there’s no end in sight of cleaning it out. I am written in for 5% of her belongings. My aunt has spent all of the remaining... View More

Thomas Walter Tucker
Thomas Walter Tucker
answered on Oct 26, 2017

You need to discuss this with a lawyer. Your question suggests either the will has not been filed with the Court and an estate opened or the estate has been opened but not properly and timely administered. Who was appointed as the Executor of the will/estate? Does the will waive an inventory and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is it legal to add someone to a deed if the property already had a lifetime right clause in will and person was deceased

Property was willed to a son and daughter. 50/50 with both receiving lifetime rights to the dwellings on property. After death of mother son added his wife to deed giving her 1/4.

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Oct 20, 2017

Sorry, but your haven't provided enough information to answer this accurately. A lawyer would need to see the actual will and deed to look the precise wording. When you say it was left "50/50" with "lifetime rights" - that is not the normal wording a lawyer would use and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Tennessee on
Q: my brother stole my inheirtence of my mothers estate, now my dad is at the end of his life and I suspect...

My parents divorced 15+ years ago and my mom passed away a few years later. During the division of her estate my 40 year old brother stole from the estate that clearly stated 50/50 and left me with nothing. My dad is now at the end of his life and has already made indirect comments to me that my... View More

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Oct 18, 2017

While your father is still alive, I suggest taking him to a doctor and have him evaluated for mental competency. If he is competent, then perhaps you should make him an appointment with an attorney ( you can make the appointment but you should not attend, the meeting with the lawyer should be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can a detainer warrant be issued by one owner if you are also an owner of the house?

My stepfather passed away in December and I have been living at the residence ever since. He left his estate to me and my other two siblings equally. I was just served with a detainer warrant from my sister.

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Oct 9, 2017

You are now "co-owners" of the property. Each of you has the same equal rights to the property. Each should pay an equal amount of the taxes and insurance and any upkeep expenses, and each of you has the same right to any income coming from the property or to live there like you. It... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Tennessee on
Q: Can a minor child have a will if they aren't the age to make legal decisions for themselves? How would that work?
Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Oct 3, 2017

Tennessee law requires that you have to be at least age 18 in order to make a valid will.

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