A will is one of the most important documents you will ever create. Without one, you are giving up control over how your assets are distributed and who cares for your children. A properly drafted will puts those decisions back in your hands.
At The Law Office of Taylor R. Dahl, we help individuals and families in Clarksville, TN and surrounding communities create clear, legally sound wills that reflect their wishes and protect their loved ones. Whether your estate is straightforward or complex, we provide the personalized guidance you need to plan with confidence.
We are here to help you make the decisions that matter.
If you’re ready to protect your assets and provide for your loved ones, speak with an experienced Clarksville estate planning attorney today. Call 931-245-5060 or schedule your confidential consultation now.
A will, also called a last will and testament, is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets distributed after your death, who you want to manage your estate, and, if you have minor children, who you want to serve as their guardian.
A will only takes effect upon your death and must go through the probate process in Tennessee. It is the foundation of nearly every estate plan and an essential step in protecting your family’s future.
A well-drafted will allows you to:
Without a will, these decisions are left to Tennessee law and the courts, which may not align with your intentions.
Dying without a will is called dying “intestate.” When this happens, Tennessee’s intestacy laws determine how your estate is distributed. This process follows a fixed legal formula that does not account for your relationships, your wishes, or the specific needs of your loved ones.
Common consequences of dying without a will include:
A will gives you the ability to avoid these outcomes and ensure your estate reflects your values and intentions.
Every client’s situation is different. We help with a range of will documents, including:
Simple Will
Ideal for individuals and families with straightforward estates. Clearly outlines asset distribution, names an executor, and designates guardians for minor children.
Pour-Over Will
Often used alongside a revocable living trust. Directs any assets not already held in the trust to “pour over” into it upon death, ensuring everything is governed by the trust’s terms.
Testamentary Trust Will
Incorporates a trust created within the will itself, which takes effect at death. Commonly used to manage assets for minor children or beneficiaries who need financial oversight over time.
Your executor is the person responsible for carrying out the terms of your will. This includes gathering and managing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property to your beneficiaries.
Choosing the right executor is an important decision. We help you understand what the role involves and what qualities to look for when selecting the right person for this responsibility.
For parents of minor children, naming a guardian is often the single most important reason to have a will. Your guardian designation assists, in the event of your death, in placing the person you trust most to raise your children, rather than leaving the decision fully to a judge who does not know your family.
We help parents think through this decision carefully and document their wishes clearly and legally.
A will might or might not be a one-time document. Life changes, and your will should keep pace with it. We endeavor to make our clients’ wills as all-encompassing and long-term as possible. We recommend reviewing and potentially updating your will after major life events, including:
We make it easy to revisit and update your estate plan as your life evolves.
While fill-in-the-blank will templates exist, they frequently fail to meet Tennessee’s legal requirements or account for the specifics of your situation. An improperly executed will can be challenged, partially invalidated, or cause unintended consequences for your family.
We help you:
Having an attorney draft your will is one of the most important investments you can make in your family’s future.
We are committed to helping you create a plan that protects your family and honors your wishes.
Do I really need a will if my estate is small?
Yes. The size of your estate matters less than the decisions your will makes possible. This is especially true if you have children, own any real property, or have specific wishes about who should receive your belongings. A will ensures your intentions are known and legally enforceable.
What makes a will legally valid in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, a valid will must be in writing, signed by the person making the will (the testator), and witnessed by at least two competent witnesses. Certain handwritten wills, called holographic wills, may also be valid if entirely in the testator’s handwriting and signed. An attorney can ensure your will meets all requirements.
Can I write my own will?
Technically, yes; but doing so carries significant risk. Errors in wording, execution, or witnessing can render a will invalid or create ambiguities that lead to disputes. It is always unfortunate when we experience families in litigation after a loved one’s death because the will was not clearly and correctly done. A professionally drafted will gives you peace of mind.
Can a will be contested?
Yes. A will can be challenged on grounds such as lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution. A well-drafted will prepared with legal guidance is far less vulnerable to successful challenges.
How often should I update my will?
It is our goal to create wills for the long-term. We recommend reviewing your will after any major life event, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in assets.
What is the difference between a will and a living will?
A last will and testament governs the distribution of your assets after death. A living will, also called an advance healthcare directive, expresses your wishes for medical treatment if you become incapacitated during your lifetime. Both are important parts of a complete estate plan.
Don’t leave the future of your family to chance. We’re here to help you put your wishes in writing and build an estate plan that protects the people you love most.
We proudly serve clients through our law office in Clarksville, Downtown Clarksville, Montgomery County, on Madison Street.
Call 931-245-5060 or contact us online today to schedule your confidential consultation.
