Elder Law and Estate Planning in Clarksville

Comprehensive Legal Support for Families in Clarksville and Nearby Areas

Whether you are considering what might take place regarding your assets or family in the event something happens to you, or whether you are handling the affairs of a family member, The Law Office of Taylor R. Dahl can provide competent guidance tailored to your needs.

Proper and comprehensive estate planning can protect your legacy, your loved ones, and your wishes concerning the transfer of your property and assets, your healthcare decisions, and more. In matters of probate, if you have been appointed as the administrator or executor of a family member’s estate, we can guide you through the complex process to ensure that it is done according to the law. We can also represent heirs, beneficiaries, or others in any probate disputes that require court litigation.

Understanding Estate Planning in Tennessee and Kentucky

It’s a common belief that only the wealthy need to worry about estates. However, proper estate planning is essential for almost everyone. Basic estate planning documents lay out the details of how your property, assets, and personal belongings will be handled and transferred upon your passing.

Estate planning can help minimize the financial burden on family members by avoiding other legal issues. Having a well-thought-out estate plan can give you and your loved ones peace of mind, knowing that everything is taken care of when the need arises.

In addition to planning for your assets, it is also essential to plan for your healthcare and medical decisions in the event you are incapacitated or unable to make your own decisions for any reason. Powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives are vital for your family members or loved ones to know your wishes.

Our firm provides guidance on essential estate planning tools, including:

• Wills: These form the foundation of your plan. In a will, you leave instructions for how your assets and property are to be distributed, name an executor to oversee the process, and name a guardian to care for any minor children you leave behind.
• Trusts: These are separate legal entities into which you place assets for the benefit of your heirs. Trusts are managed by your appointed trustee(s). They can be revocable or irrevocable and designed for various purposes, including avoiding probate.
• Living wills or Advance Directives: These are advance care directives in which you make your wishes known regarding the medical interventions you wish to have or not have for end-of-life care.
• Medical power of attorney: This document allows you to authorize someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, either presently or in the event you are unable to do so.
• Financial power of attorney: This document names a trusted person to handle your financial affairs, either presently or in the event you are unable to do so.
• Limited power of attorney: This document names a trusted person to handle a specific transaction or aspect of your financial affairs.

Probate Process Duration in Tennessee: What to Expect

Probate in Tennessee can typically take anywhere from six months to a year, although the duration may vary depending on the complexity of the estate and any potential disputes. The probate process may take longer if there is a dispute over the deceased's assets or if there is no will in place. On average, a simple estate in Tennessee will usually take at least six months to close, even under the best circumstances. 

Contact our office today to schedule your confidential consultation with one of our attorneys. Dial (931) 773-7876 or send us a message online to begin.