Overview
Dickson County is located in Tennessee with a population of approximately 57,641. The Dickson 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 for Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Petition for Letters of Administration (if there is no will) 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.
For smaller estates, Tennessee offers a simplified procedure known as the Small Estate Affidavit for estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate). This process is faster and less expensive than full probate.
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 required by local rule.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Dickson 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
Dickson County Chancery Court
Probate matters in Dickson County are handled by the Clerk and Master at the Dickson County Justice Center.
Address: 500 Spring Street, Charlotte, TN 37036
Phone: (615) 789-7011 (Clerk & Master)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Chancery Court Clerk & Master's office is responsible for maintaining all probate records. Hearings are typically held in the courthouse in Charlotte.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and in designated lots near the Justice Center. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entering the courthouse, including metal detectors and bag checks.
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 45 days after death.
- Non-Probate Transfers: Assets with named beneficiaries (life insurance, IRAs) or held as "Tenants by the Entirety" or "Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship" pass directly to the co-owner or beneficiary.
- 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 Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration with the Dickson County Chancery Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- List of known heirs and beneficiaries
- Filing fee (approximately $420, but verify with Clerk)
- Oath of Personal Representative
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 Dickson County (e.g., The Dickson Post) for two consecutive weeks.
- The Clerk & Master often assists with the publication process upon filing.
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 of appointment (unless waived by the will and all beneficiaries)
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries according to the will or state intestacy laws
- File a Statement in Lieu of Final Accounting (if all beneficiaries agree) or a formal accounting to close the estate
Local Requirements
Dickson County-Specific Procedures
- Clerk & Master: The Clerk & Master acts as the probate clerk in Dickson County.
- Bond: A bond is generally required for personal representatives unless waived in the will or by all beneficiaries/heirs.
- Inventory: Must be filed within 60 days unless waived.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in The Dickson Post.
Always check with the Clerk & Master's office for the most current local rules and required forms.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Dickson County)
- Opening a Formal Estate: approximately $420.00
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $230.00
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5.00 - $10.00 per copy
- Publication costs: typically included in the initial filing fee or billed separately by the newspaper (~$100-$150)
Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the Clerk & Master at (615) 789-7011 for the exact current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, cashier's checks, or money orders. Some courts may accept credit cards with a processing fee; verify before visiting.
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 the time required to liquidate assets and resolve tax matters.
Local Resources
Dickson County Court Resources
- Court Website: dicksoncountytn.gov
- Probate Self-Help: TN Administrative Office of the Courts
- Tennessee Probate Forms: TN AOC Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Tennessee Bar Association: (615) 383-7421 — tba.org
- Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee: (615) 244-6610 — las.org
Publication
- The Dickson Post: (615) 446-4012 — Newspaper of general circulation for legal notices.