Estate Administration in Smyrna, Tennessee

Find the right Estate Administration attorney in Smyrna, TN

Estate administration is the process during which the estate of a person who has recently died is maintained and divided among his or her heirs or beneficiaries. This normally happens according to the instructions in a will, but in case there is no will, there are laws governing that situation, as well.

If the decedent had the foresight to draft and execute a will in Smyrna, Tennessee, the estate is usually administered in a way that follows the instructions the will lays out, as closely as possible.

The decedent normally names in the will an executor of his or her estate. The executor is the person whose job it is to take the lead role in the administration of an estate.

The person named as executor of an estate normally has some work ahead of them. To ensure that they really follow through on their obligations, most people name as executor the person who will get the most money, or other benefit, if the will is given effect as written. Because an estate can't be distributed until the administration process is complete, the executor has an incentive to see it through.

What if The Will Does Not Name an Executor?

If a will in Smyrna, Tennessee does not name a person to serve as executor, or the decedent dies without having written a will, the court will appoint a person to act as estate administrator.

Normally, the person chosen to be executor is the one who would benefit most under the will, or under Tennessee's intestacy laws. "Intestacy" refers to a situation in which a person dies without a will, or "dies intestate." Every state has laws to address this situation, and there isn't a lot of variation from state to state. Normally, the decedent's property will go to his or her closest relative, and if absolutely no living relatives can be found, it will go to the state.

If the will doesn't name a person who is to serve as executor, or the person named is no longer alive or cannot be found, anyone with a direct interest in the will can apply to the Smyrna, Tennessee court to be the executor.

Once an executor is finally named, he or she becomes responsible for serving as the living embodiment of the estate, using all legal means to protect the estate's interests (such as mounting plausible legal defenses against creditors).

Can a Smyrna, Tennessee Estate Administration Attorney Help?

If you are the administrator of an estate, and are not a legal and/or financial professional, you might face legal or tax issues with which you are unfamiliar. A Smyrna, Tennessee attorney would be extremely helpful in such a situation.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Smyrna

Smyrna, Tennessee is a town with a population of close to 40,000 residents. Smyrna is comprised of 23 square miles, and originally began as an agrarian community. The Smyrna airport, makes it easy for travelers to fly directly into the city.

Smyrna is best known for its role in the Civil War. The city, with it's strategic location between two major posts (Nashville and Chattnooga) saw a lot of action. The 160-acre Sam Davis plantation is located in Smyrna, and commemorates the death of the Confederate hero in Smyrna. There is still a military presence in Smyrna today, with the Stewart Air Force Base, and the Tennessee National Guard both located in Smyrna.

In addition to a military presence, Smyrna also has a Nissan Motors plant within the city, a popular place for many residents to work.

Located in Rutherford County, Smyrna lawyers serve their city and the surrounding areas, helping their client with a range of legal issues. Smyrna lawyers are skilled in a range of specialties and available to help their neighbor today!

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