Overview
Trousdale County is located in Tennessee with a population of approximately 12,000. The Trousdale 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 Tennessee Code Annotated Title 30. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of 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 Small Estate Affidavit procedure for estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real property). This can be filed 45 days after death.
Tennessee does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys or executors; fees must be "reasonable" and approved by the court.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Trousdale 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
Trousdale County Chancery Court
Probate matters in Trousdale County are handled at the Trousdale County Courthouse.
Address: 303 East Main St, Ste 1, Hartsville, TN 37074
Phone: (615) 374-2996 (Clerk & Master)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk & Master's office is located in the county courthouse in Hartsville. This office handles the filing and processing of all probate documents.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and on nearby streets.
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.
- Muniment of Title: Used to transfer real estate when there is a valid will but no other assets requiring administration.
- 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 Trousdale County Chancery Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- List of heirs and beneficiaries
- Filing fee (approx. $350-$450)
- Bond (unless waived in will or by all heirs)
E-filing is generally not available in Trousdale County; file in person or by mail.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Trousdale County for two consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 2 to 4 weeks after filing. 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 — the Clerk will publish notice to creditors. The claim period is 4 months from the date of first publication.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days.
- Pay valid creditor claims.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge.
Local Requirements
Trousdale County-Specific Procedures
- In-Person Filing: Filings are typically done in person at the Clerk & Master's office.
- Bond: Required unless waived by the will or all distributees.
- Local Counsel: While not strictly required by law, retaining a local attorney is highly recommended and often expected by the court for formal probate.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Trousdale County for two consecutive weeks.
Always check with the Clerk & Master for the most current local rules and requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Trousdale County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $350 - $450
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $150 - $250
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5 - $10 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150 - $250 depending on the newspaper
- Claim filing fee: approximately $30
Fees are subject to change. Contact the Clerk & Master's office for the exact current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, cashier's checks, or money orders. Personal checks may not be accepted.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period in Tennessee is 4 months from the first date of publication, which sets the minimum timeline for closing an estate.
Local Resources
Trousdale County Court Resources
- Court Website: trousdalecountytn.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Trousdale County Clerk & Master
- Tennessee Probate Forms: TN Administrative Office of the Courts
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Tennessee Bar Association: (615) 383-7421 — Statewide legal resources
- Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee: 1-800-238-1443 — Low-income legal assistance
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: tba.org
Publication
- The Hartsville Vidette: (615) 374-3555 — Local newspaper
- The Wilson Post: (615) 444-3952 — Regional newspaper