States / Tennessee
After a death in Tennessee
Where to look for a will, who to ask and where to search for money in Tennessee.
The will
Which court handles probate
The probate court of the county where the person lived (in many counties the chancery or county court clerk's office) proves and records wills.
"Wills shall be proved and recorded and letters testamentary granted in the probate court of the county"
Read the source (an unofficial copy of the law).
What to do with the original will
A person holding a purported will, once they learn of the death, must mail or deliver the original to the personal representative named in it and send a copy to the probate clerk of the decedent's county. If no representative can serve, the original goes to the clerk. No day count was found.
"shall mail or deliver that instrument to the personal representative named in the instrument"
Tenn. Code Ann. § 32-1-113. Read the source (an unofficial copy of the law).
Wills deposited during life
A testator may deposit a sealed will with the probate court of the county where they live if the clerk has a secure vault or safe ($5 fee). Ask that county's probate court clerk.
"The probate court shall receive and safely and securely keep any such will"
Tenn. Code Ann. § 32-1-112. Read the source (an unofficial copy of the law).
Opening a safe deposit box
We couldn't check this rule at an official source, so we won't guess. Ask the probate court clerk in the county where they lived.
Searching for a will or case
Ask the probate court clerk in the county where the person lived whether a will was deposited or a copy delivered.
"The probate court shall receive and safely and securely keep any such will"
Read the source (an unofficial copy of the law).
Unclaimed money
Tennessee Department of Treasury
"There is no fee to claim your unclaimed property from the Tennessee Department of Treasury."
Instructions for heirs and estates
Source, checked 2026-10-15.
Small estates
We couldn't check this rule at an official source, so we won't guess. Ask the probate court clerk in the county where they lived.
Death certificates
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First copy $15.00, more copies in the same order $15.00 each. Parent, child or spouse qualifies; other applicants must supply documents proving entitlement. Cause-of-death access has its own restricted list.
Order from the state. Online vendors add fees.
State will and court rules checked 2026-11-06. See how we check facts or report a mistake. This is general information, not legal advice.