Overview
Coffee County is located in Tennessee with a population of approximately 61,285. The Coffee County Chancery Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Tennessee probate is governed by Title 30 of the Tennessee Code Annotated. The process begins with filing a Petition to Probate Will (for testate estates) or a Petition for Letters of Administration (for intestate estates) 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 for small estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real property). This process, known as the Small Estate Affidavit, allows for the transfer of assets without full probate administration after a 45-day waiting period.
Tennessee does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors; fees must be "reasonable" and are subject to court approval if contested or if the will does not specify otherwise.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Coffee 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
Coffee County Chancery Court
Probate matters in Coffee County are handled at the Coffee County Justice Center.
Address: 300 Hillsboro Blvd, Box 8, Manchester, TN 37355
Phone: (931) 723-5132 (Clerk & Master)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Chancery Court Clerk & Master's office processes all probate filings. The court is located in the Justice Center in Manchester.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available at the Justice Center. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entry.
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 estate) and no petition for appointment of a personal representative is pending, you may file a Small Estate Affidavit after 45 days.
- Survivorship Assets: Assets held as "joint tenants with right of survivorship" or "tenants by the entirety" pass automatically to the surviving owner.
- 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 to Probate Will or Petition for Letters of Administration with the Coffee County Chancery Court. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- List of interested parties (heirs and beneficiaries)
- Filing fee (payable to Clerk & Master)
- Oath of Personal Representative
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 Coffee County (e.g., Manchester Times or Tullahoma News) 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 first publication to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days (unless waived by will or all beneficiaries)
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate taxes
- File Tennessee inheritance tax return (if applicable, though largely phased out)
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Statement in Lieu of Final Accounting (if waived) or a formal accounting and petition to close the estate
Local Requirements
Coffee County-Specific Procedures
- Local Rules: Coffee County is in the 14th Judicial District. Local rules may require specific forms for the inventory or settlements.
- Bond: A bond is typically required unless waived by the will or by agreement of all beneficiaries.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a local newspaper such as the Manchester Times or Tullahoma News.
- Hearings: Probate hearings are generally held on specific motion days; confirm the schedule with the Clerk & Master.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Coffee County)
- Petition to Probate Will / Administration: approximately $335.00 - $420.00
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $100.00 - $230.00
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5.00 - $10.00 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150.00 - $300.00 (paid directly to newspaper)
- Claim against Estate: approximately $11.00
Fees are subject to change. Contact the Clerk & Master at (931) 723-5132 for the most current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, cashier's checks, or money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-9 months (minimum 4-month creditor period)
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The timeline is largely dictated by the 4-month creditor claim period and tax clearance requirements.
Local Resources
Coffee County Court Resources
- Court Website: coffeecountytn.gov
- Probate Self-Help: TN Administrative Office of the Courts
- State Probate Forms: TN Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Tennessee Bar Association: (615) 383-7421 — tba.org
- Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee: (931) 455-7000 — las.org
Publication
- Manchester Times: (931) 728-1418 — manchestertimes.com
- Tullahoma News: (931) 455-4545 — tullahomanews.com