Best Probate Lawyers in Memphis

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Memphis, Tennessee?

  The police in Memphis are reachable at (901) 545-2677 for non-emergencies.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Memphis, Tennessee?

  For a police report copy in Memphis, contact Central Records, which is reachable at (901) 545-2650.

• What are the proceedings undertaken by the probate court in Memphis?

  The probate court covering Shelby County and Memphis oversees proceedings involving the loss of the legal capacity of property owners, like conservatorships, guardianships, and the issuance of judicial orders to confine the mentally ill. It also looks into the validity of last wills and testaments as a prerequisite to the transfer of inheritance.

• If one's assets are owned jointly with others, is a probate process needed in Memphis for the transfer of ownership upon death?

  There is no need in Memphis for formal probate proceedings if one's assets are all jointly owned by others. In joint ownership scenarios, the death of a co-owner automatically transfers that person's share to the rest of the fellow titleholders. Formal partition processes might be needed if there are multiple co-holders, but not a probate.

• What factors in Memphis determine the length and cost of probate processes?

  In Memphis, the length and cost of probate processes vary depending on the complexity and size of the estate with larger-valued multiclass holdings costing more. The existence of a will contest as to the document's validity or the interpretation of provisions adds further expense as well as the payment of taxes due.

• Who between an unmarried partner and an estranged spouse has a better right to inherit in Memphis during an intestate proceeding?

  In Memphis, the applicable state laws on intestacy name family members as the legal heirs should the deceased leave no will. An unmarried partner is not family in the eyes of the law and inherits nothing unless there's a will. The estranged wife is still technically family in the absence of an actual divorce decree and could inherit.

• What measure can a testator in Memphis do to prevent any assets from passing on to a child who abandoned the family?

  A testator in Memphis who wishes to prevent any child from inheriting because of familial abandonment may disinherit the child. There are no grounds needed to deny any offspring their share in the estate. The will simply needs to exclude these individuals, and there need not be any overt provision or statement of disavowment.