When faced with going through probate, many executors and their families may choose to hire an estate attorney to guide them through the process. While everyone's case may be different, a lawyer adds an extra layer of costs to a process that can already get pretty expensive.

In Tennessee, attorneys have different methods of charging for their services. While some attorneys charge by the hour, others may simply charge a flat fee for their services during probate.

Attorney fees in Tennessee

How much a lawyer will charge you depends on many factors, including how large the estate is, how complex it is, and whether there’s any ongoing litigation against it. An attorney’s fees in Tennessee will also depend on what county the settlement process is taking place in, and whether the lawyer is based in a larger city or a smaller town.

For an hourly rate, an attorney in Tennessee may charge around $200 - $300 an hour. A flat fee may be around $1,500 to $2,000 for a straightforward probate case. Depending on the estate, asking for a flat fee may be preferable to some since it means executors don’t have to keep track of hours in order to avoid the risk of running up a high bill. If executors choose to pay a flat fee, it’s important to be aware of exactly what services are covered and what’s left out.

Need help with probate?

ClearEstate can help. ClearEstate is a firm housing teams of probate professionals, estate accountants, and other experts specializing in estate settlement in Tennessee.

Backed by our decades of experience in estate administration - We can guide you through the entire probate process, and help you get your peace of mind back. Schedule a free, no-obligation 30-minute consultation today!

When should you hire an attorney for probate?

The decision to hire an attorney is one that needs to be made by the executor and the beneficiaries of the estate, since the attorney’s fees will be paid out by the estate. This means that once probate is over, there may be less of an inheritance left.

If the estate is very large and complex, then it may make sense for an executor to seek the help of an experienced attorney. A complex estate can involve an estate that owns real estate and other assets in multiple countries or includes a business. Another reason why an attorney might be hired is when there is ongoing litigation against the estate, such as when the estate is being sued by creditors or there are disputes among beneficiaries.

However, if the estate is relatively straightforward, then an executor could potentially save themselves a lot of money by going through probate without an attorney. This doesn’t mean that the executor needs to do it alone. At ClearEstate, our mission is to guide executors through probate and empower them to navigate this process with confidence and ease. If you’re currently struggling with probate, schedule a free consultation with us and see how we can help.