Where do I file for probate in Union County?

Probate filings are handled by the Clerk and Master's office located at the Union County Courthouse, 901 Main Street, Suite 206, Maynardville, TN 37807.

How much does probate cost in Union County?

Opening a full estate typically costs around $360.50, which usually includes the publication fee. A Small Estate Affidavit costs approximately $101.50.

Can I avoid probate in Union County with a small estate?

Yes, if the decedent's personal property is valued at $50,000 or less and there is no real estate, you may file a Small Estate Affidavit after a 45-day waiting period.

How long does probate take in Union County?

A simple estate takes at least 6 months due to the mandatory 4-month creditor claim period. More complex estates can take a year or longer.

Do I need an attorney for probate in Union County?

While not strictly required by law for all procedures, the court strongly recommends hiring an attorney, especially for full probate administration, as the process involves complex legal duties.

Where is probate notice published in Union County?

Probate notices are typically published in *The Union News Leader*, a newspaper of general circulation in the county.

Union County Probate Guide: Courts, Fees & Process (2026)

Overview

Union County is located in Tennessee with a population of approximately 20,000. The Union 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.

Tennessee offers a simplified procedure for small estates known as the Small Estate Affidavit. This is available if the value of the personal property in the estate does not exceed $50,000 and no real property is involved. There is a 45-day waiting period after death before this affidavit can be filed.

The court generally follows the statutory fee schedule, but specific filing fees can vary. Attorneys and personal representatives are entitled to reasonable compensation, which is subject to court approval if not set by the will or agreement.

This guide provides an informational overview of the Union 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

Union County Chancery Court

Probate matters in Union County are handled at the Union County Courthouse.

Address: 901 Main Street, Suite 206, Maynardville, TN 37807

Phone: (865) 992-5942 (Clerk and Master)

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The Clerk and Master's office is responsible for maintaining probate records. The office is located within the county courthouse in Maynardville.

Parking and Access

Free parking is generally available in the lots surrounding the courthouse. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entering the building.

Filing Process

Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary

Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:

Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate's personal property is valued at $50,000 or less and there is no real estate to be administered, you may file a Small Estate Affidavit after a 45-day waiting period.
Non-Probate Transfers: Assets with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance or payable-on-death accounts) or property held in survivorship (Tenancy by the Entirety) pass directly to the beneficiary 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 for Letters Testamentary or Petition for Letters of Administration with the Union County Chancery Court. Include:

The original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
A certified copy of the death certificate
List of heirs and beneficiaries
Filing fee (approximately $360.50 for full probate including publication)
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 Union County (typically The Union News Leader) for two consecutive weeks.
Notify creditors directly if they are known or reasonably ascertainable.

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, granting the personal representative authority to act.

Step 5: Administer the Estate

After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:

Notify creditors and allow the 4-month creditor claim period to run
Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days (unless waived)
Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses
File federal and state tax returns as needed (including TN inheritance tax waiver if applicable)
Distribute assets to beneficiaries according to the will or state law
File a final accounting (unless waived) and petition to close the estate

Local Requirements

Union County-Specific Procedures

Clerk and Master: The Clerk and Master serves as the probate clerk in Union County. All filings should be directed to this office.
Bond: A bond is typically required for personal representatives unless waived in the will or by agreement of all beneficiaries.
Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in The Union News Leader. The cost for this is often included in the initial filing fee for full estates.
Local Rules: The 8th Judicial District (which includes Union County) may have specific local rules regarding courtroom conduct and scheduling. Check with the Clerk for the most current protocols.

Timeline & Fees

Filing Fees (Union County)

Opening a Full Estate: approximately $360.50 (includes publication)
Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $101.50
Service of Process: approximately $42.00 per person (if needed)
Certified Copies: approximately $5.00 per copy
Claim Against Estate: approximately $11.00

Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the Clerk and Master's office to verify exact amounts.

Payment Methods

The court typically accepts cash, cashier's checks, or money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a processing fee. Personal checks may not be accepted from pro se litigants.

Estimated Timelines

Small Estate: Can be settled relatively quickly after the 45-day waiting period.
Simple Formal Estate: 6-9 months (minimum 4 months for creditor claims).
Average Estate: 9-15 months.
Complex or Contested Estate: 18 months to several years.

The timeline is heavily influenced by the 4-month creditor claim period which must expire before the estate can be fully closed.

Local Resources

Union County Court Resources

Clerk and Master Website: unioncountytnclerkandmaster.com
Tennessee Court Self-Help: tncourts.gov
Tennessee Probate Forms: tncourts.gov/forms-publications

Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals

Knoxville Bar Association (serves region): (865) 522-6522 — knoxbar.org
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands: (865) 483-8454 — las.org
Tennessee Bar Association Referral: tba.org

Publication

The Union News Leader: (865) 992-3392 — ucnewsleader.com

Probate in Union County, Tennessee: 2026 Guide