Do I Need a Will in Tennessee?

Will readings are a staple of popular culture. Most of us have seen a movie or television show in which dramatic tension arises from characters waiting to hear the contents of a will, and whether or not they are beneficiaries. Although will readings were once common occurrences, this is no longer the case. As of 2025, less than half of Americans have a will. There are many reasons for this, from people not feeling like they have enough time to individuals thinking they don’t need a will.

Regardless of how much money you have or what property you plan on leaving behind, wills are necessary legal documents. Even an estate as minimal as a home and a few thousand dollars can result in years of legal wrangling if there is no clear will. For people who have larger estates and wish to leave behind valuables and considerable sums of money, wills are absolutely vital. This is why consulting an experienced will attorney is necessary for anyone planning on drafting their own will. An attorney like J. Anthony Bradley at The Bradley Law Firm, PLLC can ensure your will is air-tight so your loved ones are taken care of.

Do I Need an Attorney to Draft a Will in Tennessee?

Anyone can write a will at any time, as long as they are a legal adult and of sound mind. This is a legal provision meant to ensure there are no economic or other barriers to individuals making their last wishes known. However, it is highly valuable to have an experienced attorney help you draft your will.

The most valuable service an attorney can provide is notifying your family, loved ones, and others that you have a will. It is not unheard of for people to draft wills but fail to inform anyone. If they die unexpectedly, such as in an accident, there is no way for their loved ones to know their wishes. In these circumstances, the will may not be found until a later date, after the estate has entered probate. This can lead to multiple legal issues in addition to hurt feelings and damaged relationships. An attorney can ensure your will is kept safe until the appropriate time.

What Happens if I Don’t Have a Will?

If you pass away without a will, it is called “dying intestate.” When this happens, your estate will enter a process known as probate. During probate, the court will review your assets and financial circumstances and determine what happens to your possessions. The State of Tennessee has set procedures for determining what surviving family members will be named beneficiaries of your estate. Probate can take months or even years. During this process, your loved ones may not have access to their inheritance. They may also struggle financially navigating the lengthy probate process. This is why having a will is necessary to protect you and your loved ones.

What Should I Do if I Need to Write a Will?

Writing a will can seem daunting. However, it’s one of the most rewarding things a person can do. Drafting a will is crafting a legacy. With J. Anthony Bradley in your corner, that can be a legacy of excellence. He can ensure your will is comprehensive, covering all of your assets and taking care of all your loved ones, and even help develop a wider estate plan to cover all possible contingencies. Don’t hesitate. Call him today at 901-441-8215 to schedule a consultation.