An increasing number of elderly individuals in Tennessee have begun adding their children as joint account owners on their bank account. Understandably, older parents may need assistance in paying their bills or managing their finances. However, it is important to understand the risks in adding a joint owner and the…
If you have experienced the death of a loved one, you know that the period of time following his or her passing can be a confusing and trying time. You may not know what to do or where to turn. If the person who passed, also known as the decedent,…
Recently attorney Jim Higgins stopped by WSMV’s Better Nashville to discuss the differences between a power of attorney and a conservatorship in Tennessee. Both of a power of attorney and conservatorship enable another person to make decisions or take actions on an individual’s behalf. However, there are different circumstances as to…
Working as a Nashville probate attorney, I often hear a number of misconceptions that many people have when it comes to probate. When a loved one passes away, many people assume that they will be entitled to a portion of the decedent’s complete estate as provided in the will or…
Although many of us are willing and capable of making decisions and acting for ourselves, there are some who incapable of doing so for a number of reasons. Whether it is due to a temporary illness or a lifelong disorder, many individuals will rely upon the help of another to…
As a Tennessee probate attorney, I receive a number of calls regarding Power of Attorney and the ability or inability to perform certain tasks on behalf of someone else. Many people want to know what can or cannot be done with this legal document. So often, many do not understand…
Recently, attorney Jim Higgins appeared on Nashville’s WSMV News and More at Midday to discuss the task of administering an estate. After someone passes away, often the estate will have to go through the probate process to ensure that debts are paid off and any assets are distributed. The probate…
With the influx of information on the internet today, you can find just about anything on the web. There are all sorts of do-it-yourself websites and instructional videos that allow you to shoulder the work while cutting the extra costs of hiring someone else. You may turn to a particular…
There is good news for those who may be looking to utilize the small estate option in Tennessee. Recently, Governor Bill Haslam signed into law an amendment to the Small Estate Act. The amendment increases the size of an estate that may utilize a small estate affidavit from $25,000 to…
As a Tennessee probate attorney, I field many different questions from clients and potential clients. Popular misconceptions or “urban legends” are the motivation behind some of these probate questions. Many people will assume a particular fact because they heard it from a friend or family member. However, like many areas…