Overview
Hickman County is located in Tennessee with a population of approximately 25,859. The Hickman 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 to Probate Will or Petition for Letters of Administration 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 probate process known as the Small Estate Affidavit for estates valued at $50,000 or less. This procedure allows for the transfer of personal property without full probate administration, provided at least 45 days have passed since the decedent's death.
Note that Tennessee does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors; fees must be reasonable and are subject to court approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Hickman 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
Hickman County Chancery Court (Probate Division)
Probate matters in Hickman County are handled at the Hickman County Courthouse.
Address: 104 College Ave., Suite 202, Centerville, TN 37033
Phone: (931) 729-2522 (Clerk & Master)
Hours: Contact the Clerk & Master's office to confirm current office hours
The Probate Division is overseen by the Clerk & Master, Loren Roberts. The court is located in the county seat of Centerville.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and in designated lots near the county administration building. Security screening may be required 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), you may file a Small Estate Affidavit 45 days after death.
- Non-Probate Transfers: Assets with named beneficiaries (life insurance, IRAs) or held jointly with rights of survivorship pass outside of probate.
- 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 Hickman County Chancery Court. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- List of heirs and beneficiaries
- Filing fee (approximately $354.50)
- Bond (unless waived in the will or by agreement of all heirs)
E-filing is not currently mandatory for all probate matters; check with the Clerk & Master for current digital submission options.
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 Hickman County, such as the Hickman County 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 first publication to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate taxes
- File TennCare release forms if applicable
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition to close the estate
Local Requirements
Hickman County-Specific Procedures
- Clerk & Master: The Clerk & Master handles probate filings. Ensure all documents are addressed to the Chancery Court, Probate Division.
- Bond: A bond is generally required unless waived by the will or by all heirs/beneficiaries.
- Local Rules: The court may have specific local rules regarding the format of pleadings and the scheduling of hearings. Contact the Clerk's office for the most recent local rules.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in the Hickman County Times. The publication fee is typically collected by the Clerk at the time of filing.
Always verify specific local forms and procedural nuances with the Clerk & Master's office before filing.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Hickman County)
- Full Administration / Probate of Will: approximately $354.50
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $354.50
- Muniment of Title: approximately $354.50
- Certified copies: $5.00 + $0.50 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $220.00 (often collected with filing fee)
- Claims against Estate: $100.00
Fees are subject to change. Contact the Clerk & Master at (931) 729-2522 to confirm exact amounts.
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, cashier's checks, or money orders. Personal checks may not be accepted for all fees. Credit/debit 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 heavily influenced by the 4-month creditor claim period and the time required to liquidate assets and resolve tax matters.
Local Resources
Hickman County Court Resources
- Court Website: Hickman County Law & Court Services
- Probate Fee Schedule: 2026 Fee Schedule (PDF)
- Tennessee Court Forms: Administrative Office of the Courts
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Tennessee Bar Association: (615) 383-7421 — tba.org
- Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee: (800) 238-1443 — Provides civil legal assistance to low-income residents.
Publication
- Hickman County Times: (931) 729-4242 — Newspaper of general circulation for probate notices.