What to do when someone dies in Tennessee

Tennessee eliminated the Hall Income Tax on investment income in 2021, and the state has had no estate tax since 2016. Probate runs through Chancery or Circuit Court. The surviving spouse has rights to one-third to one-half of the estate depending on whether there are children.

What this guide covers

How probate works in this state
Estate and inheritance taxes
Surviving spouse rights and protections
Small estate shortcuts and affidavit thresholds
Step-by-step checklist for your family

Order walks your family through every task — from filing the will with the court to closing the final accounts. Use it to stay organized, assign tasks to family members, and make sure nothing gets missed.