Overview
Tipton County is located in Tennessee with a population of approximately 61,000. The Tipton 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 Probate of 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.
For smaller estates, Tennessee offers a simplified process known as the Small Estate Affidavit for estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real property). This process requires a 45-day waiting period after death.
Attorneys are generally recommended for probate in Tennessee, and some courts may require a personal representative to be represented by counsel, especially for full administration.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Tipton 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
Tipton County Chancery Court
Probate matters in Tipton County are handled at the Tipton County Justice Center.
Address: 1801 South College Street, Suite 110, Covington, TN 38019
Phone: (901) 476-0209 (Clerk & Master)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Chancery Court Clerk & Master's office is responsible for maintaining probate records. Tipton County is part of the 25th Judicial District.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available at the Justice Center complex. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entering the courthouse.
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 has been filed, you may qualify for this simplified process after a 45-day waiting period.
- Muniment of Title: If the decedent left a will and the only asset to be transferred is real estate (or other specific assets not requiring full administration), you may file to admit the will as Muniment of Title.
- 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 Tipton 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 (typically payable by cash, check, or money order)
- 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 Tipton County, such as The Leader, for two consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the Chancellor or Clerk & Master 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 and resolve valid claims (creditors have 4 months from 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 Tennessee inheritance tax return (if applicable for older estates) and federal tax returns
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Statement in Lieu of Final Accounting (if all beneficiaries waive accounting) or a formal accounting to close the estate
Local Requirements
Tipton County-Specific Procedures
- Local Rules: Tipton County follows the Local Rules of Practice for the 25th Judicial District.
- Bond: A bond is typically required for the personal representative unless waived by the will or by all beneficiaries/heirs.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a local newspaper, typically The Leader (Covington).
- Hearings: Probate hearings are generally held on specific motion days; check with the Clerk & Master for the current docket schedule.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Tipton County)
Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the Clerk & Master's office for the most current schedule.
- Petition to Open Estate: approximately $350.00 - $450.00
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $150.00 - $250.00
- Muniment of Title: approximately $350.00
- Publication costs: approximately $100.00 - $200.00 (paid directly to the newspaper)
- Certified copies: approximately $5.00 per copy
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, cashier's checks, or money orders. Personal checks may be accepted from local attorneys. Credit card payments may be available but often incur a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Small Estate Affidavit): 2-4 months
- Average estates: 6-12 months (due to the 4-month creditor period)
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years or more
The timeline is heavily influenced by the 4-month creditor claim period which begins after the first publication of notice.
Local Resources
Tipton County Court Resources
- Court Website: tiptonco.com
- Administrative Office of the Courts: tncourts.gov
- Tennessee Probate Forms: tncourts.gov/court-forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Tennessee Bar Association: (615) 383-7421 — tba.org
- West Tennessee Legal Services: (731) 423-0616 — wtls.org
Publication
- The Leader (Covington): (901) 476-7116 — covingtonleader.com