Overview
Blount County is located in Tennessee with a population of approximately 142,211. The Blount County Chancery Court (Probate Division) handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Tennessee probate is governed by Tennessee Code Annotated Title 30. The process begins with filing a Petition for Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Tennessee offers a simplified procedure known as the Small Estate Affidavit for estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real property). This can be filed 45 days after death. Another option is Muniment of Title, used to transfer real estate when there is a valid will but no need for full estate administration.
Attorneys' fees and personal representative compensation must be reasonable and are subject to court approval. Tennessee does not have a statutory percentage fee schedule; fees are typically based on the complexity of the estate and services rendered.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Blount County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Blount County Chancery Court (Probate Division)
Probate matters in Blount County are handled at the Blount County Justice Center.
Address: 930 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804
Phone: (865) 273-5500 (Clerk & Master's Office)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Division is managed by the Clerk & Master. All probate filings and hearings take place at the Justice Center.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the large lot in front of the Justice Center. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real property), you may file a Small Estate Affidavit after a 45-day waiting period.
- Muniment of Title: Used to transfer real estate when a valid will exists, but no other assets require administration.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate with the Blount County Chancery Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Petition for Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $345.00)
- List of heirs and beneficiaries
E-filing may be available; check with the Clerk & Master's office for current protocols.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Blount County (e.g., The Daily Times) for two consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (creditors have 4 months from the date of first publication to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days (unless waived)
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Blount County-Specific Procedures
- Bond: A bond is generally required for personal representatives unless waived in the will or by agreement of all beneficiaries.
- Inventory: An inventory of estate assets must be filed with the Clerk & Master within 60 days of appointment, unless waived.
- Local Rules: The 5th Judicial District local rules apply to probate proceedings.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation, such as The Daily Times, for two consecutive weeks.
Always check with the Clerk & Master's office for the most up-to-date local forms and procedural requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Blount County)
- Opening an Estate (Testate/Intestate): approximately $345.00
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $345.00
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5.00 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $86.40 (Notice to Creditors)
- Claims: $11.00
Fees are subject to change. Contact the Clerk & Master's office for the exact amount.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, cashier's checks, and money orders. Personal checks are typically not accepted for new filings.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years
The creditor claim period in Tennessee is 4 months from the date of the first publication of notice.
Local Resources
Blount County Court Resources
- Court Website: blounttn.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Tennessee Court Self-Help
- Tennessee Probate Forms: TN Administrative Office of the Courts
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Knoxville Bar Association (Referral Service): (865) 522-6522 — Serves the region including Blount County
- Legal Aid of East Tennessee: (865) 981-1818 — Provides legal assistance to eligible low-income residents
- Tennessee Bar Association: tba.org
Publication
- The Daily Times: (865) 981-1100 — Newspaper of general circulation in Blount County