As part of our comprehensive legal practice, Jim Williams & Associates provides representation in the area of probate and estate administration to clients in Tennessee and Virginia.  When a person dies, his or her estate may have to go through probate, which is a process overseen by the court.  If the decedent leaves a Last Will & Testament directing how his or her property should be distributed after death, the court will determine if the Last Will & Testament should be admitted to probate and given legal effect.  If the decedent dies intestate (without leaving a Last Will & Testament) the court will appoint a Personal Representative to oversee the distribution of the decedent’s property according to the laws of Descent and Distribution.

The probate process involves collecting the decedent’s assets, paying debts owed at the time of death, paying funeral and burial expenses, paying required taxes, and distributing assets to the decedent’s heirs.  Probate procedures are governed by state law and vary from state to state.

While most probate proceedings are uncontested, there are times when heirs disagree as to who should administer the estate and/or how it should be administered.  Contested probate proceedings can be expensive and delay the distribution of assets to heirs.  The issue of a family member misappropriating assets prior to or after the death of family member has become more common and often resulting in litigation in order to recover assets taken without proper authorization.

At Jim Williams & Associates, an experienced probate attorney can guide Administrators, Executors, Trustees and family members through the often confusing process of probating or administering an estate.  Furthermore, we help families avoid disputes, both between family members and with the state, over issues related to the distribution of assets and division of property after death, including:

• Tax Issues, including final tax returns
• Trust Administration
• Property left intestate
• Business succession
• Retitling of assets

Jim Williams & Associates offer a “one-stop” approach to estate administration.
Our staff will:

• Draft and file all documents to open the estate
• Marshal and value all assets
• Identify and notify heirs and creditors
• File and obtain required releases and/or waivers from the appropriate state agency or other party
• Assist the Administrator, Executor, or Trustee throughout the estate administration process
• Prepare or review accountings or inventories
• Draft and file all documents to close the estate

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AT 423-230-0006 or 423-230-6315

At Jim Williams & Associates, we take pride in our ability to successfully negotiate an often confusing probate process for our clients in Tennessee and Virginia thereby helping them ease the stress during an already difficult time.  We believe communication and a clear explanation of rights and options will avoid disputes between heirs and ensure a smooth transition.  For more information and a FREE consultation, please CONTACT our downtown Kingsport office located at 324 Cherokee St. for a free case evaluation by an experienced probate attorney.