Comprehensive Wills Guide for Shelbyville Residents
Planning a will is an important step for residents of Shelbyville who want to protect their family and property. At Jay Johnson Law Firm we focus on clear, practical estate planning and probate services that help you document your wishes in a legally sound way. A properly drafted will reduces uncertainty, helps avoid disputes, and makes it easier for your loved ones to carry out your intentions. We provide straightforward guidance through the process, from gathering key information to preparing the final documents so your plan reflects your priorities and Tennessee law.
Many people in Shelbyville delay preparing a will because the process seems daunting, but addressing it now prevents confusion later and preserves your ability to direct how assets are distributed. A will also names a personal representative to handle estate administration and can designate guardians for minor children, which is essential planning for families. Jay Johnson Law Firm helps clients of diverse backgrounds create practical wills tailored to their goals and family situations. We walk clients through decisions, timelines, and common pitfalls so you feel confident your wishes are documented correctly.
Why a Will Matters for Your Family and Estate
A will serves as the primary legal document that communicates your decisions about property distribution, guardianship of minor children, and selection of a personal representative. For Shelbyville residents, having a will reduces the risk of contested proceedings and speeds up administration under Tennessee probate procedures. It provides clarity during an emotional time and helps reduce legal uncertainty for survivors. Drafting a will also allows you to address specific concerns, such as bequests to charities, provisions for blended families, or directives for personal property, ensuring your intentions are honored according to state law.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach to Wills
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients across Tennessee with a practical, client-centered approach to estate planning and probate matters. Our team focuses on understanding each client’s family dynamics, assets, and long-term goals to create wills that are tailored and easy to administer. We prioritize clear communication, thoughtful document drafting, and careful attention to Tennessee legal requirements. Clients in Shelbyville benefit from local knowledge combined with the firm’s experience handling a range of estate sizes and family situations, ensuring documents are effective and enforceable when they are needed most.
Understanding Wills and How They Work in Tennessee
A will is a written declaration of how you want your property handled after death, and under Tennessee law it must meet specific formalities to be valid. Wills can name beneficiaries, assign specific gifts, and designate who will serve as personal representative to manage the estate through probate. For Shelbyville residents, understanding how probate operates, what assets pass outside the will, and how tax or creditor issues may affect distribution is important. The process begins with documenting your wishes, selecting fiduciaries, and signing the will in the presence of witnesses according to state requirements.
Not all assets are controlled by a will; accounts with designated beneficiaries, jointly owned property, and trusts may transfer without probate. Preparing a will in coordination with other estate planning tools ensures your wishes are carried out effectively and reduces unnecessary delays for family members who will handle affairs after your death. Jay Johnson Law Firm helps clients identify which assets should be included in the will, how beneficiaries are named, and how to structure bequests to minimize conflict and administrative burdens under Tennessee procedures.
What a Will Includes and Why Each Part Matters
A typical will includes an opening statement identifying the testator, declarations revoking prior wills, appointing a personal representative, and instructions for asset distribution. It can include specific bequests of items or sums of money, residuary clauses that handle remaining property, and guardianship nominations for minor children. In Tennessee, signing and witnessing requirements must be satisfied for the will to be admitted to probate. Clear language reduces ambiguity and the likelihood of disputes, so taking time to draft provisions that reflect your exact intentions benefits your family and streamlines later administration.
Key Steps in Creating and Administering a Will
Creating an effective will begins with collecting information about assets, liabilities, and intended beneficiaries, then selecting trusted individuals for roles such as personal representative and guardian. The drafting stage translates those choices into clear legal language and addresses contingencies like alternate beneficiaries. Once signed correctly, the will is stored securely, and copies are shared with relevant parties. After death, the personal representative files the will with the appropriate Tennessee probate court to begin administration, handle creditor notices, and distribute assets according to the will and applicable law.
Key Terms and Glossary for Wills and Probate
Understanding common terms used in wills and probate helps clients participate in planning and make informed decisions. Terms like personal representative, beneficiary, intestacy, residuary estate, and testamentary capacity describe roles and legal concepts that determine how a will operates. Familiarity with these phrases clarifies discussions about responsibilities and outcomes during the planning stage and if probate proceedings occur. Jay Johnson Law Firm provides plain-language explanations so Shelbyville residents can focus on substantive choices rather than legal jargon when preparing their wills.
Personal Representative
A personal representative is the person authorized by a will or appointed by the court to manage and administer a deceased person’s estate. Duties include filing the will with probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying valid debts and taxes, and distributing property to beneficiaries. Choosing a responsible and available personal representative is important because that person will carry out your wishes and manage financial and administrative tasks. The role requires attention to deadlines and court filings under Tennessee probate rules, and selecting someone with organizational skills and trustworthiness helps ensure smooth administration.
Residue or Residuary Estate
The residuary estate refers to any property remaining after specific gifts, debts, taxes, and expenses are paid. This portion handles the remainder of the estate and is governed by the residuary clause in the will. If the residuary clause is absent or unclear, residual assets may be distributed according to Tennessee intestacy rules or lead to disputes among potential beneficiaries. Drafting a clear residuary clause ensures remaining assets are distributed according to your intentions and reduces the chance of unintended outcomes for heirs and other beneficiaries.
Beneficiary
A beneficiary is an individual or entity designated to receive property or benefits from a will. Beneficiaries can be family members, friends, charities, or organizations. When naming beneficiaries, it is important to use clear identifiers and consider alternate beneficiaries in case a primary beneficiary predeceases the testator. Ambiguous or outdated beneficiary designations can create delays and disputes during probate, so regular reviews and updates are recommended to ensure designations remain aligned with current wishes and family circumstances.
Intestacy
Intestacy occurs when a person dies without a valid will, and state law determines the distribution of the estate. In Tennessee, intestacy rules prioritize spouses, children, and other relatives according to statutory order. Dying intestate can result in distributions that differ from what you might have wanted and may require court involvement to appoint an administrator. Preparing a will allows you to direct how property is distributed, name guardians for minor children, and reduce uncertainty for surviving family members by avoiding default intestacy outcomes.
Comparing Legal Options for Wills and Estate Planning
When planning a will, there are several paths depending on complexity and needs, including a simple do-it-yourself will, a will drafted with attorney assistance, or incorporating other tools like trusts for advanced planning. A DIY approach can work for straightforward situations but can overlook state formalities or tax planning opportunities. Working with Jay Johnson Law Firm helps ensure language is tailored to Tennessee law, reduces the chance of avoidable mistakes, and coordinates your will with beneficiary designations and other estate planning documents to support a cohesive plan that reflects your intentions.
When a Simple Will May Be Appropriate:
Single-Person or Small Estate Situations
A limited or simple will may meet the needs of individuals with modest assets and straightforward family circumstances who want a clear distribution plan and to name a personal representative. For residents of Shelbyville with uncomplicated holdings and no complex beneficiary arrangements, a tailored simple will can provide needed direction without elaborate planning. Even in these cases, reviewing Tennessee signing and witnessing requirements and ensuring beneficiary designations on accounts are coordinated with the will helps reduce unexpected conflicts or administrative hurdles for surviving family members.
Clear Family Structure and No Tax Concerns
When an individual’s family relationships and asset distribution wishes are straightforward, and there are no significant tax concerns or special circumstances, a limited will approach can be efficient and cost-effective. This approach addresses immediate distribution needs and key appointments such as a guardian if relevant, while providing a legally valid document to guide probate. It remains important to periodically review the will to reflect life changes, such as marriage, birth of children, or acquisition of new assets, ensuring the document accurately reflects current intentions under Tennessee law.
When More Than a Simple Will Is Advisable:
Complex Family or Financial Situations
Comprehensive planning is recommended when there are blended families, minors, beneficiary designations that need coordination, or significant assets requiring careful structuring. In these scenarios, relying solely on a simple will can leave gaps or create unintended consequences in how assets are distributed. Comprehensive planning considers probate implications, tax matters, and the interplay of trusts, deeds, and beneficiary designations to create a cohesive plan that better aligns with long-term family and financial goals, offering greater clarity and protection for loved ones after death.
Protection Against Disputes and Administrative Burdens
A comprehensive approach helps reduce the risk of disputes among heirs and minimizes administrative burdens during probate by drafting precise instructions and making use of complementary planning tools. This approach anticipates potential conflicts and clarifies roles, responsibilities, and distributions, which can shorten administration time and reduce legal expenses. For Shelbyville families facing complex dynamics or significant estates, investing time to create a robust plan provides greater confidence that the decedent’s wishes will be followed and that surviving family members will face a smoother administrative process.
Benefits of a Thoughtful, Complete Wills Plan
A comprehensive wills plan provides peace of mind by ensuring that assets are distributed according to your wishes, guardianship choices are documented, and your personal representative has clear instructions. This level of planning reduces ambiguity and the likelihood of costly disputes, streamlines the probate process, and helps minimize delays for family members responsible for administration. For Shelbyville clients, a well-crafted plan integrates with Tennessee law and other estate planning tools to create a practical strategy that protects family relationships and honors your objectives.
Comprehensive planning also allows for thoughtful decisions about charitable giving, special provisions for family members with unique needs, and coordination with beneficiary designations to avoid unintended transfers. Taking a holistic view helps align assets, titles, and documents so the distribution process is predictable and consistent with your intentions. A complete plan can also include instructions for digital assets, personal property distribution, and contingencies that prepare your family for a smoother transition when the time comes.
Clear Direction for Administration
Providing clear, written instructions in a will allows the personal representative to administer the estate with confidence and reduces the likelihood of costly disagreements among beneficiaries. Precise language and thoughtful selection of fiduciaries streamline probate filings and reduce administrative delays in Tennessee courts. For Shelbyville residents, a well-drafted will that anticipates likely questions and includes contingencies ensures that routine tasks are handled efficiently and that distributions proceed in accordance with your intentions, saving time and emotional strain for surviving family members.
Protection for Vulnerable Beneficiaries
A comprehensive plan can include safeguards for beneficiaries who may need additional protection, such as minors or adults with limited financial capacity. Trusts, staggered distributions, or clear instructions on how property should be used can preserve assets for intended purposes and prevent mismanagement. Addressing these matters in a will and related documents reduces the need for court interventions and helps preserve family assets while providing for beneficiaries in a way that honors your values and addresses specific needs within the family unit.
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Practical Tips for Planning Your Will
Gather and organize important financial information early
Begin by compiling a list of assets, including real property, bank accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and personal property items you wish to distribute. Knowing account titles, beneficiary designations, and property deeds helps create a clear picture for drafting your will. Organizing this information ahead of a planning session makes meetings more efficient and helps identify whether beneficiary designations need updating to match the intended distribution. Keeping documents in a safe but accessible place ensures the person you name as personal representative can locate them when needed.
Choose reliable individuals for fiduciary roles
Review and update your will periodically
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, or significant shifts in assets often require updates to your will to reflect current wishes. Regular reviews help ensure beneficiaries, guardians, and fiduciaries remain appropriate and that designated distributions match your intentions. Updating the will when circumstances change avoids unintended outcomes and reduces the potential for disputes. Storing updated copies and notifying your personal representative of their location ensures the most recent document will be found and used when administration is necessary.
Reasons Shelbyville Residents Choose to Prepare a Will
Preparing a will addresses several important concerns: it documents your wishes for asset distribution, designates who will manage your estate, and names guardians for minor children if applicable. For families in Shelbyville, a will provides clarity that reduces family uncertainty and helps speed the probate process under Tennessee law. It also allows you to make thoughtful decisions about sentimental items, charitable gifts, and special provisions for family members, ensuring your intentions are known and followed when the time comes.
Without a will, Tennessee intestacy rules determine asset distribution and may not reflect your personal preferences. Preparing a will gives you control over who receives your property and how it is allocated, which can preserve family harmony and reduce legal obstacles. Jay Johnson Law Firm assists clients in documenting their wishes clearly and legally so that the probate process is more predictable and family members are spared additional stress during an already difficult time.
Common Situations Where a Will Is Important
A will is important when you have minor children who need a guardian, when you want to leave assets to specific people or organizations, or when your family structure is blended and you wish to clarify distributions. It is also important if you own real estate, have personal property with sentimental or financial value, or want to direct certain assets to charities. Addressing these matters proactively ensures your wishes are documented and reduces the chance of disputes or unintended results under Tennessee probate rules.
Families with Young Children
When parents have young children, a will allows them to name a guardian and provide instructions for managing assets intended to support those children. Naming a guardian provides the court with clear guidance about parental preferences and eliminates ambiguity in a time-sensitive situation. A will can also establish financial arrangements for minor children that ensure their needs are considered and managed according to parental wishes, reducing stress for surviving caregivers.
Blended Families or Multiple Heirs
Blended families often have complex distribution goals that may not be served by default intestacy rules. A will lets you allocate property among current spouse, children from different relationships, and stepchildren in a way that reflects your intentions. Clear provisions and contingencies help prevent disputes and provide guidance to the personal representative responsible for carrying out the plan. Proper planning is especially useful to ensure fair treatment and predictable outcomes for all family members involved.
Significant Assets or Unique Property
If you own real estate, business interests, or unique personal property, a will documents how these items should be distributed and can include instructions for sale or transfer to avoid confusion. For items with sentimental value, naming specific recipients prevents family disagreements. When there are larger estates or assets that require special handling, careful drafting of the will and coordination with other estate planning tools can reduce administrative complexity during probate and ensure your intentions are preserved.
Shelbyville Wills and Estate Planning Attorney
Jay Johnson Law Firm is available to help Shelbyville residents plan wills that reflect their wishes, appoint appropriate fiduciaries, and coordinate estate documents to reduce future uncertainty. We provide practical guidance on Tennessee formalities, beneficiary designations, and steps to preserve family interests. Our approach focuses on understanding your family and financial situation to recommend sensible solutions that make the probate process smoother and protect your loved ones’ interests when they need it most.
Why Work with Jay Johnson Law Firm for Wills
Choosing Jay Johnson Law Firm for will preparation gives Shelbyville clients a collaborative planning experience that emphasizes clarity, practical solutions, and adherence to Tennessee law. We take time to understand family dynamics and tailor documents to meet individual needs while explaining legal requirements and likely outcomes. Our goal is to make the process straightforward and to deliver documents that are easy to administer when they are needed by those you leave behind.
Clients receive personalized attention throughout the drafting process, including assistance gathering necessary information, clear explanations of options, and review of draft documents to confirm they align with intentions. We ensure signatures, witnesses, and execution steps meet Tennessee formalities so the will is ready for probate admission when necessary. Our focus on practical outcomes helps families reduce future conflicts and administrative burdens associated with estate administration.
We also help clients coordinate wills with beneficiary designations and other planning tools to create a cohesive overall plan that reflects priorities and protects loved ones. Whether you need a straightforward will or a plan that addresses more complex family or asset issues, we provide steady guidance and clear documents to support predictable and legally sound administration in Shelbyville and across Tennessee.
Contact Jay Johnson Law Firm to Start Your Will Today
How the Will Preparation Process Works at Our Firm
The process begins with an initial consultation to review family structure, assets, and goals, followed by documentation gathering and selection of fiduciaries. We then draft the will with clear language and review it with you to ensure it matches your intentions. After execution with the required Tennessee formalities, we provide secure storage recommendations and copies for your personal representative. Post-execution, we can advise on coordinating beneficiary designations and periodic reviews to keep the plan current as circumstances change.
Step One: Information Gathering and Planning
The first step is a thorough review of assets, liabilities, family relationships, and priorities for distribution. This includes identifying property titles, account beneficiaries, and any existing estate documents that may affect your will. Understanding these details allows us to recommend the most effective structure for your will and identify whether additional planning tools are helpful. Clear planning reduces the chance of inconsistencies and helps ensure your will accurately reflects your intentions within Tennessee legal requirements.
Collecting Asset and Beneficiary Information
Gather documentation for real estate, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and any business interests. Note current beneficiary designations and account titles because some assets transfer outside the will. This inventory helps identify gaps and ensures the will coordinates with other instruments to avoid unintended results. Accurate information supports precise drafting and reduces the likelihood of later disputes or administrative complications for your personal representative.
Discussing Family Goals and Fiduciary Choices
We discuss your priorities for distribution, potential guardianship for minor children, and who should serve as personal representative, including alternates. Conversations about sensitive family matters help clarify goals and identify suitable fiduciaries. Choosing the right individuals and naming alternates means the court and your family will have clear direction when the will is needed. Planning these choices in advance provides peace of mind and reduces the risk of contested appointments.
Step Two: Drafting and Review
After gathering information and confirming goals, we draft the will to reflect your decisions with clear, enforceable language. The draft includes specific bequests, residuary clauses, fiduciary appointments, and contingencies. We review the draft together to confirm it matches your intentions and make any necessary revisions. This collaborative review helps ensure all potential issues are addressed and that the will will function as intended under Tennessee probate procedures.
Preparing the Draft Document
The draft will is prepared to include all essential provisions and to coordinate with any existing beneficiary designations or trust arrangements. We aim for language that minimizes ambiguity and anticipates common questions that arise during probate. Drafting with attention to detail helps prevent disputes and ensures the personal representative has clear instructions for administration. This careful approach supports efficient admission of the will to probate when required.
Reviewing and Finalizing the Will
During the review phase we confirm names, bequests, and fiduciary appointments, and address any remaining questions about how the will operates alongside other documents. Once finalized, we explain the signing requirements and witness logistics under Tennessee law. Final review is a chance to make targeted changes and ensure the document aligns with your current family and financial situation, reducing the risk of later amendment needs or disputes.
Step Three: Execution and Ongoing Maintenance
Execution requires signing the will with the required witnesses to meet Tennessee formalities, and we can coordinate this step to ensure compliance. After execution, safekeeping and sharing instructions with your personal representative help ensure the will is accessible when needed. Periodic reviews and updates following major life events keep the will current. Ongoing maintenance ensures that changing circumstances like births, deaths, marriages, or significant asset changes are reflected in your estate plan.
Formal Signing and Witnessing
Signing the will in the presence of the requisite number of witnesses and following Tennessee requirements is necessary for later probate admission. We arrange and supervise proper execution to minimize risks of challenges based on formality defects. Ensuring witnesses meet statutory criteria and understanding how to store the executed document are important steps that help the personal representative locate and present the will to probate court when necessary.
Storage and Periodic Review
After execution, store the original will in a secure location and let your personal representative know where to find it. Periodic reviews ensure the will keeps pace with life changes and current intentions. We recommend reviewing your will after major events such as marriage, divorce, births, or significant changes in assets and updating beneficiary designations where necessary. Regular maintenance avoids surprise outcomes and helps your estate plan remain effective over time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wills in Shelbyville
What happens if I die without a will in Tennessee?
If you die without a will in Tennessee, your property will be distributed according to the state’s intestacy statutes, which follow a set priority among relatives such as spouses, children, and other family members. This distribution may not match your personal wishes and can result in outcomes you would not have chosen. The court will appoint an administrator to manage estate affairs, which can lead to procedural delays and additional costs for your heirs.Having a will allows you to name beneficiaries, select a personal representative, and direct distributions according to your intentions rather than default rules. It also permits you to nominate guardians for minor children and make specific bequests. Preparing a will reduces uncertainty and provides clearer direction for those who will manage affairs after your death, helping avoid unnecessary disputes and administrative burdens.
How do I choose a personal representative for my will?
Choosing a personal representative involves selecting someone you trust who can manage the administrative tasks required during probate, including filing the will, handling creditor claims, and distributing assets. This person should be organized, reliable, and willing to serve. Naming alternates is advisable in case your primary choice is unable or unwilling to act when the time comes.Discussing the role with potential appointees in advance helps ensure they understand the responsibilities and are prepared to serve. Consider geographic location, availability, and ability to handle financial and legal matters. For more complex estates, selecting a co-representative or providing clear written guidance in the will can help facilitate smooth administration under Tennessee procedures.
Can I change my will after it is signed?
Yes, you can change your will after it is signed by executing a new will that revokes prior versions or by adding a codicil that amends specific provisions. When updating a will, it is important to follow Tennessee’s formalities for signing and witnessing to ensure the new document is valid and will be recognized by the probate court. A clear revocation clause in the new will helps prevent confusion about which document is controlling.Regular reviews and timely updates after life events such as marriage, divorce, births, or significant asset changes help ensure the will reflects your current intentions. When making changes, retaining the original or ensuring the new will is readily accessible to your personal representative ensures the correct document is used during probate proceedings in Shelbyville.
Do I need to put my will through probate in Shelbyville?
Whether a will must be probated depends on the nature and value of the estate and how assets are titled. Many wills are filed with the local probate court to begin formal administration, particularly when assets must pass through probate to transfer legal title. For smaller estates or assets that pass outside probate through beneficiary designations or joint ownership, simplified procedures may apply, but filing the will still helps establish authority for the personal representative.Probate in Tennessee involves court filings, notices to creditors, asset inventory, and eventual distribution according to the will. Understanding how your assets are titled and coordinating beneficiary designations with a will can reduce probate complexity. Jay Johnson Law Firm can advise on whether probate is likely and what steps will be required to administer the estate efficiently under state rules.
How are minor children provided for in a will?
A will can name a guardian to care for minor children and provide instructions for managing assets intended for their benefit. Naming a guardian guides the court toward your preference and can simplify transitions for children if parents die. Wills can also include provisions that direct how assets are held or distributed for minors, such as appointing a trustee or providing for staged distributions at certain ages to manage funds responsibly.Discussing guardianship preferences with potential appointees and documenting financial arrangements reduces the chance of contested custodial decisions and provides clarity for those who will care for your children. Clear, specific language in the will combined with other planning tools ensures that a child’s needs are considered and that resources are available for their support in line with your intentions.
Will joint ownership affect what my will can distribute?
Joint ownership can affect how assets pass at death because jointly owned property often transfers automatically to the surviving co-owner and may bypass the will. Similarly, accounts with designated beneficiaries or transfer-on-death arrangements pass according to those designations rather than through a will. It is important to review how assets are titled and whether beneficiary designations are current and aligned with your estate plan to avoid unintended transfers.Coordinating titles and beneficiary designations with the terms of your will reduces conflicts and ensures that your overall plan functions as intended. If you want an asset to pass according to your will, you may need to retitle the asset or adjust beneficiary designations accordingly. A comprehensive review helps identify assets that will or will not be controlled by the will and allows for a more coherent distribution strategy.
How often should I review or update my will?
It is recommended to review your will whenever you experience a significant life event such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, death of a beneficiary, or substantial changes in assets. Regular reviews every few years are also prudent to ensure legal changes or shifting family dynamics do not render the document outdated. Keeping your will aligned with current circumstances prevents unexpected outcomes and helps maintain clarity for your personal representative and beneficiaries.Updating beneficiary designations on accounts and confirming that fiduciaries remain appropriate complements the will review process. When changes are needed, executing a new will or codicil with proper formalities ensures the most recent document controls. Periodic reviews provide peace of mind that what you have planned still reflects your wishes under Tennessee law.
What should I do with the original will after signing?
After signing, store the original will in a secure location that your personal representative can access when needed, such as a safe deposit box, a home safe, or with an attorney or trusted custodian. Inform the person you name as personal representative where the original document is kept and how to obtain it. Avoid placing the only copy in a location that may be difficult to access upon death to prevent delays in administration.Providing the personal representative with information about the location and any passwords or access instructions helps ensure a timely probate process. Some clients choose to keep a copy with trusted family members while keeping the original in a secure place; clarity about which document is the original and where it is stored helps prevent confusion during estate administration.
Can I leave assets to a charity in my will?
Yes, you can leave assets to a charity in your will by naming the organization and specifying the property or amount you wish to give. Charitable bequests can be structured as gifts of a sum of money, a percentage of the estate, or specific assets. Including clear identifying information for the charity ensures the bequest can be executed without ambiguity and the organization can receive the gift as intended.Charitable bequests can provide tax benefits for the estate and reflect philanthropic goals while supporting causes important to you. Discussing the gift structure and potential tax considerations helps ensure the bequest aligns with both your charitable intentions and overall estate planning strategy, and clear language in the will prevents uncertainty for your personal representative and beneficiaries.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will is a document that directs how your assets are distributed after death and can name guardians for minor children and a personal representative to administer the estate. A trust, by contrast, is a separate legal arrangement that can hold assets for the benefit of beneficiaries and may allow property to avoid probate if properly funded. Trusts can provide more control over distribution timing and management of assets and may offer additional privacy and administration options.Deciding between a will and a trust depends on your goals, the complexity of your estate, and whether probate avoidance or specific management mechanisms are desired. Many clients use both a will and trusts as part of a coordinated plan. Jay Johnson Law Firm can help assess which combination of documents best suits your needs and how to implement a plan that functions well under Tennessee law.