Overview
Maury County is located in Middle Tennessee, south of Nashville, with a population of approximately 113,411. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. The Maury County Chancery Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death. The Clerk & Master serves as the administrative aide to the Chancery Court and manages probate filings.
Tennessee probate is governed by Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 30 through 32. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will (for testate estates) or a Petition for Letters of Administration (for intestate estates). The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates. Maury County is in the 22nd Judicial District.
For smaller estates, Tennessee offers a Small Estate Affidavit procedure for estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real property). This simplified process allows for the transfer of assets without full probate after a mandatory 45-day waiting period from the date of death.
Tennessee does not have a statutory percentage fee schedule for attorneys or executors; fees must be "reasonable" and are subject to court approval if contested. Tennessee has no state income tax (the Hall Tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed effective January 1, 2021) and no state estate or inheritance tax.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Maury 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
Maury County Chancery Court
Probate matters in Maury County are handled by the Clerk & Master's Office at the Maury County Chancery Court.
Address: 1115 South Main Street, Columbia, TN 38401
Phone: (931) 375-1307 (Clerk & Master)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Clerk & Master's Office moved to the new location at 1115 South Main Street in late 2024. The office was previously located at 41 Public Square in downtown Columbia. The Clerk & Master is the principal administrative aide to the Chancery Court and assists with all probate, conservatorship, guardianship, and estate-related filings.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building at the South Main Street location. The building is ADA accessible. 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 property) and no petition for appointment of a personal representative is pending, you may file a Small Estate Affidavit after a 45-day waiting period from the date of death.
- Transfer on Death / Survivorship: Assets titled jointly with rights of survivorship or with designated beneficiaries (life insurance, retirement accounts, payable-on-death accounts) pass outside 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 for Probate of Will and Granting of Letters Testamentary (or Petition for Letters of Administration) with the Maury County Chancery Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- List of heirs and beneficiaries with addresses
- Filing fee (approximately $230 for opening an estate)
- Oath of Personal Representative
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Maury County (e.g., Columbia Daily Herald) for two consecutive weeks as required by TCA Section 30-2-306.
- Notify TennCare: If the decedent was 55 years of age or older, the personal representative must notify the Bureau of TennCare.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The Chancery Court or Clerk & Master will review the petition. If approved, the court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, granting the personal representative authority to act on behalf of the estate.
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 by the will and all beneficiaries)
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses
- File federal tax returns as needed (Tennessee has no state income tax or estate tax)
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries according to the will or Tennessee intestacy laws
- File a final accounting and petition to close the estate (or a Statement in Lieu of Final Accounting if permitted)
Local Requirements
Maury County-Specific Procedures
- Clerk & Master: The Clerk & Master's Office handles all probate filings. The office staff can provide basic procedural guidance but cannot give legal advice.
- Bond: A bond is generally required for personal representatives unless waived by the will or by all adult beneficiaries and heirs. The bond amount is typically set based on the value of estate assets.
- New Location: As of late 2024, the Clerk & Master's Office is at 1115 South Main Street, Columbia, TN 38401 (moved from the former location at 41 Public Square).
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in the Columbia Daily Herald or Main Street Maury. The Clerk & Master's office often assists with coordinating publication.
- 22nd Judicial District: Maury County is part of the 22nd Judicial District. The Chancellor presides over probate matters, though the Clerk & Master may handle uncontested proceedings.
- TennCare Notification: Required for decedents who were 55 or older at the time of death; failure to notify can result in personal liability for the personal representative.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Maury County)
- Opening an Estate (Testate or Intestate): approximately $230
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $40-$120
- Guardianship/Conservatorship: approximately $240
- Certified copies: Fees vary (typically $5.00 plus per-page charges)
- Publication costs: Approximately $50-$100 depending on the newspaper
Note: Fees are subject to change. As of January 1, 2026, a new fee schedule went into effect. Contact the Clerk & Master at (931) 375-1307 for the most current amounts or review the Maury County Chancery Court Fee Schedule.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee. Verify accepted payment methods before filing.
Estimated Timelines
- Small Estate: 2-3 months (after the 45-day waiting period)
- Simple estates: 6-9 months (minimum 4-month creditor claim period)
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The timeline is heavily influenced by the mandatory 4-month creditor claim period, which must expire before the estate can be fully closed. Maury County's growing population may affect court scheduling times.
Local Resources
Maury County Court Resources
- Clerk & Master: Maury County Clerk & Master
- Online Court Records: Maury County Court Records
- Tennessee Court System: tncourts.gov
- Tennessee Public Notices: tnpublicnotice.com
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Tennessee Bar Association Referral Service: tba.org
- Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands: (615) 244-6610 — Provides civil legal assistance to low-income residents
- Maury County Bar Association: Contact local attorneys for referrals
Publication
- Columbia Daily Herald: Daily newspaper (Sunday through Friday) serving Maury County and surrounding area — columbiadailyherald.com
- Main Street Maury: mainstreetmediatn.com — Also publishes legal notices for Maury County