Frequently Asked Questions

Your Last Will is a legal document through which you distribute some of your assets upon death. Over two-thirds of U.S. adults don't have one, and for those who do, most Last Wills don't fully cover their situation. In Tennessee, the only way to make a Last Will valid after death is to file it in probate court in the county where you lived — a public and often lengthy process that can take 6 to 12 months or longer and delays your family's access to what you've left behind.

A Revocable Living Trust functions like a Last Will in that it distributes your assets after death — but without the probate court. In Tennessee, this means your family can avoid the Sumner or Davidson County probate process entirely, and your affairs stay private rather than becoming part of the public record. Beyond that, many other types of Trusts serve different roles, and the right plan for your family may involve one or more of them.

Yes. A successful estate plan requires the guidance of a professional who does this every day and understands Tennessee-specific law. Some families are left with nothing after a loved one passes — not because they didn't care, but because they used an online platform that knew nothing about their specific family or Tennessee's requirements. We build long-term relationships so your family has real legal support even when you can no longer provide it.

Our fees are flat-rate, with everything agreed upon upfront. We can't quote fees online or over the phone, but we cover our full meeting process and fee schedule at our educational events — so you have everything you need to make the right decision before committing to anything.

Not at all. Through our Life and Legacy Planning process, we capture and transfer your important intangible assets — your values, insights, stories, and experiences — in addition to your financial assets. Estate planning is for every Tennessee family, because everyone has something worth protecting. After you're gone, your words and wishes will be among the most precious gifts your loved ones ever receive.

Your existing plan may still function, but Tennessee has its own rules around wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives that can leave gaps in an out-of-state plan. We strongly recommend having your plan reviewed by a Tennessee attorney to ensure it complies with state law and reflects any changes in your family, assets, or wishes since you moved.

Appropriate assets must be carefully identified and can then be transferred to safeguard them from unknown and future creditors — protecting them while you're alive and after your death. There are trade-offs, including possible exposure to creditors' claims during transfer, some loss of direct control, and potential gift tax consequences. The right strategy depends on your state, business organization, and specific situation.

Federal law does not allow creditors to reach qualified retirement plans such as profit sharing plans, pensions, and 401(k)s. However, both traditional and Roth IRAs may not be fully protected depending on your situation and Tennessee's exemption laws. We work closely with you to understand exactly where you stand.

When properly executed, yes. The principle is that almost any asset you possess can be seized by a creditor, while any asset you do not own cannot. Asset protection separates legal ownership from your control of assets — letting you enjoy their economic benefits while shielding them from potential creditors. We do not create plans designed to evade known or foreseeable creditors; that kind of planning is both inadequate and inappropriate.

Not entirely. A Last Will only becomes effective after your passing and once the probate court accepts it. But you may need a guardian for your children long before that moment — such as in an emergency where you're incapacitated. A Kids Protection Plan names both short-term emergency guardians and long-term guardians, and ensures all trusted parties have the information they need to care for your children instantly.

A Kids Protection Plan is a dedicated, crucial component of a comprehensive estate plan. If you have minor children, a Last Will alone is not enough. You need a full estate plan and a separate Kids Protection Plan to ensure your children's safety, wellbeing, and care are fully addressed — in every scenario.

We offer flat-fee pricing with no surprises. While we can't provide a quote online, we invite you to attend one of our events to learn about our process and fee schedule in full. You'll have everything you need to make an informed decision for you and your children.