Probate cost · Tennessee
Probate cost in Tennessee
What every fee is, who sets it, and what a typical estate actually pays end to end.
Probate in Tennessee costs about $25,930 to $39,300 for a $500,000 estate. The Chancery Court charges $350 to open the case. Executor and attorney fees are the largest line items, set under § 30-4-103. Publication, bond, and appraisal add $580-$3,950.
Fee breakdown
Every probate cost in Tennessee, itemized. Amounts vary by county and by estate complexity.
| Court filing fee | $350 | Chancery Court filing fee for a testate estate. Muniment of title costs less. |
|---|---|---|
| Publication of notice | $80 - $250 | Newspaper notice to creditors, required in most counties. |
| Executor bond | $200 - $2,500 | Often waived by the will. When required, premium is ~0.5% of the estate value. |
| Appraisal | $300 - $1,200 | For real estate, business interests, or unique personal property. |
| Executor fee | $15,000 on $500k | §30-1-407: reasonable compensation set by the court. Typical range is 2-5% of the estate. |
| Attorney fee | $10,000 - $20,000 on $500k | Attorney fees are reasonable and court-approved, typically 2-4% of the estate. |
Total by estate size
Estimated total probate cost in Tennessee across three common estate sizes. Uses statutory fees where Tennessee has them, market ranges where it doesn't.
| $200,000 estate | $10,930 - $18,300 |
|---|---|
| $500,000 estate | $25,930 - $39,300 |
| $1,000,000 estate | $50,930 - $74,300 |
Ranges assume an uncontested estate with one parcel of real property. Contested estates, out-of-state assets, and businesses add cost.
How to reduce probate cost in Tennessee
- If the estate is under $50,000, use a small estate affidavit instead of full probate.
- Convert accounts to payable-on-death and beneficiary designations before death. Those assets bypass probate entirely.
- Use a revocable living trust for real estate to avoid the Chancery Court probate process.
- Ask the will to waive bond. That saves the $200-$2,500 premium.
- For clean, uncontested estates, use a cost calculator first so you know what to expect before hiring counsel.
Common questions
How much does probate cost in Tennessee?
Total probate cost in Tennessee for a $500,000 estate typically runs $25,930 to $39,300. A $200,000 estate costs about $10,930-$18,300, a $1M estate $50,930-$74,300. Court filing alone is $350.
Who pays probate fees in Tennessee?
The estate pays every probate cost from estate assets before heirs receive anything. Executor and attorney fees, the Chancery Court filing fee, publication, and bond premiums all come out of the estate under § 30-4-103.
Can I reduce probate cost?
Yes. Using the small estate affidavit skips full probate when the estate is under the state threshold ($50,000 in Tennessee). Beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and living trusts also keep assets out of probate entirely.
What is the executor fee in Tennessee?
§30-1-407: reasonable compensation set by the court. Typical range is 2-5% of the estate.
How long does it take to pay these fees?
Filing and publication are paid at filing. Executor and attorney fees are approved by the Chancery Court at the end, typically 10 months after opening the estate.
Where in Tennessee
In Tennessee, probate fees are paid at the Chancery Court in the county where your relative lived at death. These three counties handle the largest caseload.
- County seat
Shelby County
Chancery Court - courthouse in Memphis
- County seat
Davidson County
Chancery Court - courthouse in Nashville
- County seat
Knox County
Chancery Court - courthouse in Knoxville
Every Tennessee county has its own Chancery Court clerk. Filing fees and processing time vary by county.
Other tasks in Tennessee
Related: Probate in Tennessee · Cost calculator · Probate timeline