If you live in Tennessee, you can create a will online, which can save both time and money. Plus, you don’t have to compromise the legality or quality of the will. For large or complex estates, you may opt to work one-on-one with an attorney, however, most can be well positioned with an online will in Tennessee. A will is a legal document that details who will inherit your assets and personal belongings after death. Wills can also include details such as your final wishes or notes to loved ones. While it can be hard to comprehend the day that your loved ones will need a will, it can offer peace of mind to think through what that time will look like. Leaving your family with a detailed and legal will can help things go smoother during what will be an already challenging time. Before creating a will online in Tennessee, here are some things you should know.
What you need to know about creating a will online in Tennessee
There are a few ways to approach creating a will. You can make the will online, work with an attorney one-on-one, or make the will yourself. Regardless of how you make the will, it will need to meet state requirements to be legal. When creating a will online it’s important to recognize that the will needs to be printed and physically signed by the testator and two witnesses. Wills are only recognized if they are in physical form. After signing the will you’ll need to keep a physical copy in a safe place.
A will has two main parties, the testator and the executor. The testator is the person making the will, for example, this could be you. The executor or executors are the people or organizations appointed to handle distribution of personal belongings or assets after death. When you construct your will, you’ll want to clearly outline your wishes and intent so that the executor(s) can carry out those wishes.
Creating a will online can be faster than working one-on-one with an attorney, but requires equal intentional thought. At Trust & Will, you can follow our step-by-step prompt as we walk through all components of the will. However, it’s up to you to fill in the details of how you want your estate handled. If you need support at any point, our team of professionals are available to assist you.
How much does a will cost in Tennessee?
Similar to how there are different ways to create a will, costs can vary depending on how you make the will and the complexity of the estate. For complex or large estates, drafting a will can cost more. In addition, if you work one-on-one with an attorney, drafting a will can cost more compared to creating one online. The average cost of making a will in Tennessee ranges from $300 to $1,000. At Trust & Will, creating an online will starts at just $199 for an individual and $299 for couples. Typically, online creation services are charged at a flat rate. If you work with an attorney one-on-one, the attorney can charge hourly or flat fee.
What makes a will invalid in Tennessee?
For a will to be valid in Tennessee it must meet state requirements. Here are some of the basic state requirements in Tennessee.
Will must be in physical form
Will must be signed with a wet signature, signed with two competent witnesses present. Witnesses must be of sound mind. It’s best to avoid using beneficiaries as witnesses to avoid potential conflicts of interests.
Witnesses must also sign the will.
Notary is not required but can add additional protection.
Testators must be 18 years or older and of sound mind and memory.
Your decisions to carry out your will must be voluntary and free.
In Tennessee you do not need an attorney to create a legal will. However, working with an attorney or online will drafting services can help ensure that your will meets state requirements.
Can I write my own online Last Will and Testament in Tennessee?
By following online prompts, you can complete your Last Will and Testament online. The will needs to be in physical form, even if it’s created online. It will not be recognized in PDF form. Once you’ve drafted your Last Will and Testament online, print the will and proceed with required signatures. At Trust & Will, we will also give you the option of having your documents shipped to you.
How do I write my own will in Tennessee?
You can write your own will in Tennessee. If you do, it will still need to meet state requirements to be valid. However, doing so alone means that you may leave out pertinent details that are needed to execute the will. In addition, if there are any concerns about the legitimacy of the will, this can cause challenges for your loved ones. Using a trustworthy online will service can be a great compromise. It is affordable and convenient when compared to working 1-on-1 with a lawyer. If you go through Trust & Will, you can have peace of mind knowing that our estate planning documents were designed by estate planning attorneys and are state-specific.
What are Tennessee will requirements ?
Tennessee will requirements are as simple as requiring the testator to be at least 18 years of age and of sound mind, drafted according to required guidelines, and signed by the testator and two witnesses. The witnesses should not be beneficiaries or have any association with the will. For a will to be valid, it must be in physical form.
Do I need a lawyer for a will in Tennessee?
Working with a lawyer can help ensure your will can be executed without issue, however, there’s no requirement to work with a lawyer in Tennessee. If you have a complex or large estate, you may want to work with a lawyer to draft or revise your will. Most individuals though can take advantage of online will drafting services to create a cost-effective and detailed will to protect loved ones.
Does a will in Tennessee (TN) need to be notarized?
Tennessee wills do not need to be notarized. They must be signed by the testator and two witnesses (present at signing). Although not required, notarizing your will can add a layer of protection.
Do you have to file a will with the court in Tennessee?
The testator does not need to file a will in Tennessee. However, after the testator’s death the will will likely need to be filed. The process of doing so initiates the probate process. During probate, the court can review the will to determine its authenticity and validity.
What happens if a will is not filed in Tennessee?
If the testator passes away, a will needs to be filed to initiate the probate process. Depending on the estate, probate may or may not be necessary. If the will needs to go through probate and is not filed, and the executor starts executing the will, they may encounter legal issues.
Create your will online in Tennessee today
At Trust & Will, we offer an accessible and convenient way to create your will and/or trust online. We strive to deliver inclusive and affordable estate planning services for families in Tennessee and the United States. Take advantage of our seamless process to create your will, and keep it up to date. We’ll guide you through every step of the process. Once you’re finished, you’ll have the option to print out your documents or have them shipped to you for signing.Creating a will in Tennessee is a valuable way to offer your loved ones protection in the event of your passing. Explore what it’s like to create your will with Trust & Will today and simplify the process for you and your family.
At Trust & Will, we’re here to help keep things simple. You can create a fully customizable, state-specific estate plan from the comfort of your own home. Take our free quiz to see where you should get started, or compare our different estate planning and settlement options today!
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Trust & Will is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice.
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