A Practical Guide to Wills in Oak Grove
Planning for the future begins with a clear, legally sound will that reflects your wishes for property distribution, guardianship, and final arrangements. At Jay Johnson Law Firm, we help residents of Oak Grove and surrounding Washington County areas understand how a will functions under Tennessee law, what decisions it should address, and how to keep it current as life changes. This introduction sets the stage for practical steps you can take now to reduce uncertainty for loved ones later, and outlines what to expect from the process of creating or updating a will in this jurisdiction.
A will is one part of a larger estate planning approach that can prevent confusion and minimize conflict after you pass. This paragraph explains why straightforward, well-drafted wills matter for families in Oak Grove, describing common provisions such as asset distribution, appointment of a personal representative, and instructions for minor children. It also touches on how wills interact with other planning documents, the role of probate in Tennessee, and how timely review and updates can ensure your intentions remain effective throughout changing circumstances in life and family dynamics.
Why a Proper Will Matters for Oak Grove Families
A well-drafted will provides clarity about how your assets should be handled and who will manage your estate, reducing the risk of disputes among survivors. For residents of Oak Grove, having a will can simplify the probate process, direct family heirlooms to intended recipients, and name guardians for minor children to avoid uncertainty. Beyond asset distribution, a will can express your wishes for personal matters and provide peace of mind by documenting plans in writing. Taking these steps can limit court involvement, protect family relationships, and ensure that your priorities are followed according to Tennessee law.
Jay Johnson Law Firm: How We Assist with Wills in Oak Grove
Jay Johnson Law Firm assists Oak Grove clients with clear, practical legal services focused on wills and related estate planning needs. Our team supports clients through each stage, from the initial consultation to drafting, reviewing, and updating wills to reflect changing family or financial circumstances. We prioritize plain-language explanations of legal options, customized drafting to reflect individual wishes, and careful attention to Tennessee probate requirements. Our goal is to make the process straightforward, ensuring clients leave with documents that are legally sound and aligned with their intentions for the future.
Understanding Wills and How They Function in Tennessee
A will is a legal document that communicates how you want your property and responsibilities managed after your death. In Tennessee, certain formalities must be observed for a will to be valid, including signature and witness requirements. This paragraph outlines the essential purposes of a will, such as naming a personal representative to handle the estate, specifying beneficiaries, and appointing guardians for minor children. Understanding these functions helps Oak Grove residents make informed decisions about which provisions to include and when a will should be reviewed or revised.
Wills interact with other planning tools such as beneficiary designations, trusts, and powers of attorney, which is why a coordinated approach matters. This paragraph explains how assets with designated beneficiaries may bypass the will and enter probate through other mechanisms, and why clear titling and consistent documentation across accounts reduce the chance of unintended outcomes. For those in Oak Grove, taking inventory of assets and discussing family goals enables the preparation of a will that closely aligns with broader estate planning objectives and Tennessee statutes.
What a Will Does and What It Does Not Do
A will formally states your wishes about who receives property, who manages your estate, and who cares for minor children. It does not, however, automatically control every asset; accounts with beneficiary designations, jointly held property, and certain retirement plans may pass outside the will. This paragraph clarifies those distinctions and describes how a properly drafted will complements other estate planning tools. For Oak Grove residents, knowing the limits of a will helps in deciding whether additional steps, such as trusts or account updates, are appropriate to achieve a complete plan.
Key Elements of a Will and the Typical Process
Essential components of a will include the appointment of a personal representative, clear identification of beneficiaries, specific bequests where appropriate, and disposition instructions for the residue of the estate. The process typically begins with a consultation to identify assets, family circumstances, and goals, followed by drafting, review, execution in compliance with Tennessee law, and safe storage. For Oak Grove clients, this paragraph describes the practical steps to finalize a will, when minor revisions may be needed, and why routine reviews are recommended after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, or changes in assets.
Key Terms to Know About Wills and Probate
Understanding common legal terms helps demystify the will-making process. This section introduces critical vocabulary such as personal representative, beneficiary, intestacy, probate, and testamentary capacity, explaining how each affects estate administration in Tennessee. Familiarity with these terms empowers Oak Grove residents to participate meaningfully in planning conversations and to make informed choices when drafting or updating a will. Clear definitions reduce uncertainty and help families anticipate how decisions will play out during estate administration.
Personal Representative
A personal representative, sometimes called an executor in other jurisdictions, is the individual appointed in a will to administer the estate after death. Responsibilities include gathering assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property according to the will. Choosing the right person for this role is important because they will interact with courts, creditors, and beneficiaries throughout the probate process. For Oak Grove residents, selecting someone trustworthy and organized, and discussing the role beforehand, can minimize delays and disputes during estate administration under Tennessee law.
Beneficiary
A beneficiary is a person or entity designated to receive property or benefits under a will. Beneficiaries can include family members, friends, charities, or other organizations. The will should clearly identify beneficiaries and the assets or percentages they are to receive in order to avoid confusion. For Oak Grove clients, taking time to name alternate beneficiaries and to specify contingent distributions helps ensure assets are passed according to current intentions, even if circumstances change before settlement of the estate.
Intestacy
Intestacy occurs when someone dies without a valid will, and state law determines how the estate is distributed. In Tennessee, intestacy rules establish a default hierarchy of heirs, which may not align with an individual’s personal wishes. This paragraph explains the implications of intestacy for families in Oak Grove and why creating a will allows individuals to control distributions, name guardians, and appoint a personal representative rather than leaving those decisions to statutory default rules.
Testamentary Capacity
Testamentary capacity refers to a person’s legal and mental ability to make a valid will. Generally, an individual must understand the nature of the document, the extent of their assets, and the people who would normally be expected to benefit. This paragraph outlines why clear decision-making and documentary evidence of capacity can reduce challenges to a will in Tennessee. For Oak Grove residents, addressing timing and medical considerations when preparing a will helps ensure the document will be respected during probate.
Comparing Legal Options for Handling Your Estate
Different legal tools serve different purposes: a will addresses distribution and guardianship, while trusts may provide ongoing management of assets, and beneficiary designations transfer certain accounts directly. This comparison explains when a simple will is sufficient and when additional planning elements are beneficial for preserving privacy, managing taxes, or providing long-term care for heirs. For Oak Grove residents, weighing the costs, administrative requirements, and desired outcomes helps determine the most appropriate mix of documents to create a cohesive plan tailored to family needs and asset structure under Tennessee law.
When a Simple Will Is an Appropriate Choice:
Estate Size and Complexity
A straightforward will is often adequate for individuals with modest estates and uncomplicated family situations. If assets are limited, beneficiaries are clear, and there are no special needs or tax concerns, a simple will can efficiently document distribution preferences, appoint a personal representative, and name guardians. This paragraph helps Oak Grove residents assess whether their particular family structure and asset profile favor a streamlined approach, emphasizing clarity of instructions, proper formalities under Tennessee law, and periodic review to ensure the will remains aligned with circumstances.
Clear Beneficiary Designations
When major assets already have beneficiary designations or are jointly owned, a simple will can provide additional guidance without requiring complex structures. This paragraph explains how clarity on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and jointly titled property can reduce the need for trusts or other arrangements. For Oak Grove residents, confirming that account designations are up to date and consistent with a will helps prevent conflicts and ensures that the overall plan reflects current intentions without unnecessary complication.
When a Broader Estate Plan Is Advisable:
Protection for Vulnerable Heirs
If you have beneficiaries with special needs, minors, or individuals who may require oversight in managing assets, a more comprehensive planning approach can provide ongoing protection and structured distributions. Trusts, detailed fiduciary instructions, and careful selection of fiduciaries can preserve assets and avoid disruptions. This paragraph explains why Oak Grove families facing such circumstances benefit from planning that addresses both immediate distribution through a will and long-term management to safeguard beneficiaries’ financial welfare and align outcomes with your long-term priorities.
Tax and Asset Protection Considerations
When estates include significant assets, business interests, or property arrangements that present tax or creditor exposure, a broader plan may reduce unintended consequences. This paragraph outlines how combining wills with trusts and other tools can offer greater control over timing of distributions and potential protections for heirs. For Oak Grove residents, assessing the nature of assets, potential tax impacts, and exposure to creditors guides the decision to expand beyond a basic will to a more thorough estate plan tailored to long-term family and financial objectives.
Advantages of a Comprehensive Estate Plan
A comprehensive approach to estate planning coordinates wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and trusts to create continuity in decision-making and asset management. This coordinated plan can reduce delays, limit disputes, and provide clear, legally effective instructions for handling financial and medical matters if you become incapacitated. For Oak Grove residents, combining these documents means family members have guidance during difficult times, the administration of assets proceeds more smoothly under Tennessee law, and your overall intentions are more likely to be honored without unnecessary court intervention.
Beyond probate efficiency, a coordinated plan can preserve family relationships by setting expectations and creating mechanisms for dispute resolution. Careful planning can also provide safeguards for beneficiaries who may need assistance managing funds and establish clear stewardship for family property or businesses. This paragraph emphasizes how a holistic plan addresses both immediate distribution through a will and longer-term concerns through complementary documents, helping Oak Grove families achieve peace of mind and practical continuity across changing life stages and circumstances.
Improved Clarity and Reduced Conflict
A comprehensive estate plan provides detailed instructions that reduce ambiguity, which in turn limits the potential for family disputes and court challenges. Clear documents identify decision-makers, prioritize beneficiaries, and can include provisions for settling differences without lengthy litigation. For residents of Oak Grove, investing time to document intentions thoroughly can make estate administration less stressful for loved ones and help preserve relationships, while ensuring that possessions and assets are distributed in a manner consistent with your wishes and expectations under Tennessee law.
Continuity of Care and Asset Management
By combining a will with powers of attorney and healthcare directives, a comprehensive plan ensures that trusted individuals can manage financial affairs and make medical decisions if you cannot act on your own behalf. Trust arrangements can further provide ongoing financial management for beneficiaries who require structured support. For Oak Grove families, this continuity minimizes disruption, clarifies responsibilities, and helps maintain the financial stability of those you leave behind, while aligning with Tennessee laws governing incapacity and post-death administration.
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Practical Tips for Preparing Your Will
Gather Asset Information Early
Start by compiling a complete list of property, accounts, and beneficiary designations so your will accurately reflects what you own. Knowing the location of deeds, account numbers, insurance policies, and retirement accounts helps streamline the drafting process and reduces the chance of overlooked assets. For Oak Grove residents, gathering titles and beneficiary forms before meeting to prepare a will speeds up the process and allows the focus to remain on expressing priorities rather than tracking documents. Clear records also aid the personal representative during estate administration.
Name Alternate Fiduciaries
Review Your Will After Life Changes
Reviewing your will after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or major changes in assets ensures that your document remains current and effective. Regular reviews allow you to update beneficiaries, adjust asset distributions, and reaffirm appointments of fiduciaries. For Oak Grove residents, periodic review is a sensible habit that prevents outdated provisions from creating confusion during estate administration. Scheduling a review every few years or after any major life change keeps your planning aligned with your present intentions and Tennessee legal requirements.
Reasons Oak Grove Residents Should Create a Will
Creating a will gives you control over how your property is distributed, who will manage your estate, and who will care for any minor children. Without a will, state intestacy rules decide distribution, which may not reflect personal preferences. This paragraph discusses how a will can provide clarity for heirs, reduce family conflicts, and ensure that important sentimental items are passed to intended recipients. For residents of Oak Grove, preparing a will is a responsible step that preserves personal wishes and potentially reduces stress for surviving loved ones during probate.
A will also serves as an opportunity to name a trusted individual to handle your affairs and to provide directions for final arrangements. It complements other documents used for incapacity planning and can be updated as circumstances change. For Oak Grove families, the process of drafting a will encourages conversations about long-term intentions and responsibilities, promotes careful record keeping, and ensures that decisions are documented in a legally effective manner under Tennessee law, giving families greater certainty during a difficult time.
Common Situations That Lead People to Make or Update a Will
People commonly create or revise wills after major life events such as the birth or adoption of a child, marriage, divorce, acquisition of significant assets, or the death of a previously named beneficiary or fiduciary. Changes in family structure or financial position often prompt updates to ensure that appointed decision-makers and beneficiaries reflect current relationships and intentions. This paragraph explains why staying attentive to life changes is important for Oak Grove residents and how proactively updating a will helps avoid unintended outcomes in estate administration under Tennessee law.
Birth or Adoption of Children
The arrival of a child often triggers the need to name guardians and provide for the child’s future through clear provisions in a will. This paragraph discusses considerations such as appointing a personal representative to manage any assets left for the child and setting instructions for financial management if that is part of your plan. For Oak Grove parents, addressing guardianship and financial arrangements promptly helps ensure that children are cared for according to your wishes rather than leaving those decisions to the court or default rules.
Changes in Marital Status
Marriage or divorce can significantly impact estate plans and beneficiary designations, sometimes altering how assets will be distributed. This paragraph explains why Oak Grove residents should review existing wills and related documents after marital changes to confirm that appointments and distributions line up with current intentions. Updating a will can prevent unwanted outcomes such as leaving property to an estranged spouse or failing to provide for a new partner or blended family members, ensuring the legal documents reflect present family relationships.
Significant Asset Acquisition or Loss
When you acquire substantial new property, inherit assets, or experience a major change in financial circumstances, revisiting your will ensures that new holdings are appropriately allocated. This paragraph outlines how Oak Grove residents can reassess whether existing beneficiary designations or distribution plans still make sense and adjust instructions accordingly. Regular updates help avoid confusion and ensure that the will addresses the current scope of your estate, which can simplify administration and better serve your lasting intentions for how assets are to be handled.
Local Wills and Estate Planning Assistance in Oak Grove
Jay Johnson Law Firm provides practical assistance with wills and related planning documents for residents of Oak Grove and neighboring communities. We offer straightforward guidance on drafting, executing, and storing wills in accordance with Tennessee law, and we help clients coordinate their wills with other important documents such as powers of attorney and healthcare directives. Our approach focuses on clear communication, careful documentation, and responsive service so families can move forward with confidence knowing their wishes are recorded and ready to guide estate administration when needed.
Why Oak Grove Residents Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Wills
People in Oak Grove turn to Jay Johnson Law Firm for personalized attention, clear guidance, and practical solutions tailored to family circumstances and Tennessee law. We take time to understand each client’s priorities and to craft documents that reflect those intentions while meeting legal formalities. This paragraph highlights our emphasis on communication, careful drafting, and ensuring clients understand how their wills integrate with other planning tools so decisions are effective and easier to administer when the time comes.
Our process includes preparing documents in plain language, explaining key terms and options, and recommending reasonable steps to keep plans current over time. For Oak Grove families, straightforward explanations and responsive service reduce uncertainty and help clients make thoughtful choices about asset distribution, fiduciary appointments, and guardianship. This paragraph underscores the value of a practical, client-focused approach to wills and estate planning that aligns with each household’s needs and Tennessee’s legal framework.
We also assist clients with follow-up needs such as updating documents after life changes, advising on storage and access, and coordinating wills with beneficiary designations and property titles. This paragraph explains how ongoing support can make long-term planning manageable for Oak Grove residents, offering regular reviews or updates as circumstances change so that estate plans remain accurate and effective when they are needed most.
Schedule a Consultation to Start Your Will Today
How We Prepare and Finalize Wills at Jay Johnson Law Firm
Our process for creating a will begins with a focused conversation to identify assets, family relationships, and goals. We gather necessary documents, discuss potential fiduciaries and beneficiaries, and outline the legal steps required in Tennessee to make the will valid. Drafting follows with client review and any requested revisions, after which the will is executed with appropriate witnesses and safely stored. For Oak Grove clients, this streamlined approach ensures clear documentation of your wishes while minimizing complexity and keeping the focus on outcomes that matter to your family.
Initial Consultation and Information Gathering
The first step is an information-gathering meeting where we discuss your goals, collect details about assets and family relationships, and identify important considerations such as guardianship or specific bequests. This meeting helps clarify priorities and reveals whether additional planning documents might be beneficial. For Oak Grove residents, preparing a list of assets, account information, and family details in advance makes the consultation more productive and helps create a will that reflects current circumstances and intentions under Tennessee law.
Discuss Goals and Family Considerations
During the initial conversation, we explore what you want to achieve with your will and any special family dynamics that should be addressed. Topics include naming beneficiaries, appointing a personal representative, and planning for minor children or dependents. Understanding these goals enables clear drafting that matches your priorities and reduces ambiguity. Oak Grove clients benefit from this collaborative approach because it surfaces potential issues early and allows for practical solutions that align with Tennessee statutes and family needs.
Gather Documents and Asset Records
We request documentation such as account statements, deeds, insurance policies, and beneficiary forms to ensure the will reflects all relevant assets and transfers. Accurate records reduce the chance of overlooked property and help coordinate the will with other instruments. For Oak Grove residents, assembling these documents before drafting saves time and improves the precision of the final will, making subsequent administration smoother for those who will settle the estate in accordance with your documented wishes.
Drafting and Client Review
After collecting the necessary information, we prepare a draft will tailored to your instructions and Tennessee requirements. The draft is provided for your review and we discuss any requested adjustments. This collaborative editing ensures the final document accurately reflects your intentions and avoids unclear language that could cause confusion later. For Oak Grove clients, careful review and revision are key steps that lead to a final will which is both legally effective and aligned with family priorities at the time of execution.
Prepare Tailored Draft
The tailored draft will include naming of fiduciaries, specific gifts, residual distributions, and any necessary contingency provisions. Clear language reduces the chance of disputes during probate and helps guide the personal representative’s duties. For Oak Grove residents, thoughtful drafting addresses foreseeable situations and documents backup plans to handle changes in circumstances, making the estate administration process more predictable and faithful to your intentions under Tennessee law.
Client Review and Revisions
We review the draft with you to confirm that all elements accurately reflect your wishes and to make any necessary revisions. This step ensures clarity and allows for discussion of alternate strategies if circumstances warrant additional planning. Oak Grove clients are encouraged to ask questions and request changes so the final will provides clear, lasting directions. The review process strengthens confidence that the document will operate as intended when administered.
Execution, Storage, and Ongoing Review
Once the will is finalized, it is executed in accordance with Tennessee formalities, typically including signatures and witness acknowledgments. After execution, we discuss safe storage options and steps to ensure accessibility when needed, such as informing the personal representative of the document’s location. Additionally, we recommend periodic reviews to keep the will current after major life events. For Oak Grove residents, proper execution and storage reduce complications during probate and preserve the integrity of the document over time.
Execute with Proper Formalities
Execution involves signing the will in the presence of the required number of witnesses and completing any attestation formalities necessary under Tennessee law. Following these steps carefully reduces the risk of challenges to the will’s validity during probate. For Oak Grove clients, we provide guidance on the execution ceremony and ensure all formalities are satisfied so the document stands as a reliable record of your intentions when it is needed for estate administration.
Store, Notify, and Review Periodically
After execution, the will should be stored in a safe, accessible location with a clear plan for how the personal representative will retrieve it. Notifying trusted individuals about the document’s existence and location helps prevent delays. We also recommend periodic reviews to update the will after significant life events. For Oak Grove residents, these steps ensure the will can be located and relied upon, and that your documented wishes remain accurate and effective over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wills in Oak Grove
What happens if I die without a will in Tennessee?
If you die without a valid will in Tennessee, your estate will be distributed according to the state’s intestacy rules rather than by the wishes you might have expressed privately. These rules establish a priority order for heirs that may not align with personal preferences. The probate court appoints an administrator to settle debts and distribute assets under the statutory scheme, which can lead to outcomes that differ from what you would have chosen.To avoid intestacy, creating a properly executed will allows you to name beneficiaries, appoint a personal representative, and provide directions for minor children and property distribution. For Oak Grove residents, completing a will ensures that your intentions are documented and more likely to be followed during estate administration under Tennessee law.
How do I choose someone to serve as my personal representative?
Choosing a personal representative involves selecting someone responsible, organized, and willing to handle the duties of administering your estate, paying debts, and distributing assets. Consider practical qualities such as availability, reliability, and ability to communicate with beneficiaries and the court. It is often helpful to discuss the role with the person beforehand so they understand responsibilities and consent to serve.You may also name an alternate representative in case your primary choice is unable or unwilling to serve. For Oak Grove families, thoughtful selection of a representative and clear written instructions in your will can reduce confusion and streamline estate administration when the time comes.
Can I update my will after it is signed?
Yes, you can update your will after it is signed, and doing so when major life events occur is advisable. Revisions can be made through a new will that revokes the earlier one or with a codicil, which is an amendment to an existing will. Any change must be executed with the same formalities required for a will in Tennessee to ensure validity.Regular review after events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant asset changes helps keep the will aligned with current intentions. For Oak Grove residents, updating documents promptly avoids unintended consequences and maintains legal clarity for estate administration.
Do I need a lawyer to create a valid will in Tennessee?
You are not strictly required to use a lawyer to create a will in Tennessee; however, legal assistance helps ensure the document meets statutory formalities and accurately reflects your intentions. Attorneys can also identify issues such as conflicting beneficiary designations, tax implications, or guardianship concerns that a simple form may not address. For Oak Grove residents, assistance can reduce the risk of challenges during probate and increase the likelihood that your wishes will be carried out as intended.If you prefer to prepare a will without legal help, take care to follow Tennessee’s signing and witnessing requirements exactly and consider at least obtaining a review to verify validity and clarity. Professional review provides an additional layer of assurance for families planning against future disputes or confusion.
How are minor children cared for if I pass away without a will?
If you pass away without a will, the court applies Tennessee’s guardianship and intestacy rules to determine who will care for minor children, which may not reflect your preferences. A will allows you to name a guardian and an alternate guardian so your wishes are considered by the court when making custody decisions. This process gives the court guidance aligned with your intentions for the children’s care and upbringing.Naming a guardian in a will also allows you to outline preferences for managing funds left for a child until they reach adulthood. For Oak Grove parents, documenting these choices in a legally valid will reduces uncertainty and helps secure a continuity of care that matches parental priorities.
What kinds of property are covered by a will?
A will covers assets that pass through probate, including individually owned property such as real estate titled solely in your name, personal property, and bank accounts without designated beneficiaries. Assets that have beneficiary designations, joint ownership with right of survivorship, or certain trust-held property may pass outside the will. Understanding which assets are probate versus non-probate helps ensure the will addresses the appropriate items.For Oak Grove residents, compiling a list of both probate and non-probate assets during planning helps coordinate beneficiary designations and property titles so distribution occurs as intended. This coordination reduces surprises and streamlines the administration process after death.
How long does probate take in Tennessee?
The length of probate in Tennessee varies depending on the complexity of the estate, creditor claims, disputes among heirs, and court scheduling. A straightforward estate without litigation or creditor issues can often move through probate more quickly, while contested matters or unclear documentation extend the timeline. This variability underscores the benefit of clear, well-prepared documents and thorough record keeping to avoid delays.For Oak Grove families, planning steps such as updating beneficiary designations, compiling asset records, and preparing an organized will can shorten administration time and reduce stress for survivors. Early preparation and clear instructions help minimize obstacles during probate.
Can I disinherit a family member in my will?
Yes, in most cases you can disinherit a family member by expressly excluding them in your will, subject to certain statutory protections that may apply in limited circumstances. Clear language is essential to demonstrate intent and to reduce the chance of ambiguity that could lead to disputes. Thorough documentation and thoughtful drafting can help ensure that your choices are respected during estate administration.Because disinheritance can provoke challenges from family members, discussing your intentions with legal counsel and providing clear, unequivocal language in the will helps protect your decisions. For Oak Grove residents, careful planning reduces the potential for family conflict and promotes orderly administration of your estate under Tennessee law.
Where should I keep my will after it is signed?
After signing, a will should be stored in a secure yet accessible location where the personal representative can retrieve it when needed. Common storage options include safe deposit boxes, fireproof home safes, or secure storage with an attorney. It is important to ensure someone trusted knows the location and how to access the document when necessary. For Oak Grove clients, advising a named fiduciary of the will’s location prevents delays during probate.Avoid leaving a will in an unsecured place that could be lost or damaged. Discussing storage and access with family or the personal representative while maintaining confidentiality can help ensure a smooth transition when the document is needed for estate administration.
What should I bring to my initial will planning appointment?
When preparing for an initial will planning appointment, bring a list of assets, account statements, deeds, insurance policies, and any beneficiary designation forms. Also prepare basic family information such as names, addresses, and dates of birth for potential beneficiaries and fiduciaries. Having this information available makes the meeting more productive and helps identify issues that may require additional planning steps.Additionally, consider questions about guardianship, specific bequests, and preferred personal representatives. Sharing your goals and concerns ahead of time allows for a focused conversation that leads to a clear and effective will tailored to your needs and Tennessee legal requirements.