Key Takeaways: Creating a trust is only step one — funding it, by transferring Tennessee assets in, is what makes it work. An unfunded trust can still leave a family facing Tennessee probate court. An estate planning attorney can check whether a trust has actually been funded. Trent Linville, Owner and Lead Attorney at Linville
How to Fund Your Trust: The Vital Step to Avoid Probate Read More »
Key Takeaways: A revocable living trust lets you manage assets during life and pass them to family without probate, once funded. Parents of minor children, blended families, and business owners often benefit most from a trust. A Tennessee estate planning attorney can help you decide if a trust fits your situation. Trent Linville, Owner and
Do I Need a Living Trust? Everything You Need to Know Read More »
Key Takeaways: At 18, adult children gain legal privacy rights that can block parents from medical, financial, or school information. A Health Care and Financial Power of Attorney let a young adult name a parent as backup decision-maker. A Tennessee estate planning attorney can help set these up before a child turns 18. Trent Linville,
What Really Changes at 18 (And Why It Matters More Than You Think) Read More »
Key Takeaways: A Financial Power of Attorney lets you name someone to manage your finances if you become unable to. Without one, a Tennessee family may need to petition a court for conservatorship — a public, costly process. An estate planning attorney can help you decide how much authority to grant, and to whom. Trent
How to Protect Your Assets Without a Conservatorship: The Financial POA Read More »
Key Takeaways: Guardianship is the legal process of naming who would raise your minor children if you become unable to. Without a named guardian, a Tennessee court decides — and it may not reflect your wishes. An estate planning attorney can help you name a guardian your family can rely on. Trent Linville, Owner and
What Happens to Your Kids if You Don’t Name a Guardian? Read More »
Key Takeaways: Most family stories are lost after just three generations if never recorded. An “ethical will,” or legacy letter, shares your values and memories alongside your legal estate plan. A Tennessee estate planning attorney can help include your family’s story as part of your plan. Trent Linville, Owner and Lead Attorney at Linville Estate
The Forgotten Heirloom – Passing Down Family Stories Read More »
Key Takeaways: A will alone doesn’t avoid probate in Tennessee — it directs your estate into that court process. Tennessee has specific legal requirements for a will to be valid, including witness rules. An estate planning attorney can help you see if a simple will is enough. Trent Linville, Owner and Lead Attorney at Linville
Why a Simple Will Could Cost Your Heirs Thousands in Legal Fees Read More »
Key Takeaways: Estate planning for a loved one with special needs focuses on protecting Medicaid and SSI eligibility, not just transferring assets. A special needs trust sets aside funds without affecting a loved one’s benefit eligibility. A Tennessee estate planning attorney can help protect both a loved one’s care and their benefits. Trent Linville, Owner
Estate Planning for Individuals with Special Needs Read More »
Key Takeaways: Newlyweds should update beneficiary designations, since they override what a will says. Marriage alone doesn’t guarantee a spouse full inheritance rights in Tennessee. An estate planning attorney can help a new couple put the right documents in place. Trent Linville, Owner and Lead Attorney at Linville Estate Law “We thought estate planning was
Getting Married This Year? Estate Planning Tips for Newlyweds Read More »
Key Takeaways: An estate plan gives your family clear instructions, helping them avoid guesswork later. Naming a guardian lets you, not a Tennessee court, choose who raises your children. A free discovery call is a low-pressure way to start the conversation. Trent Linville, Owner and Lead Attorney at Linville Estate Law The new year is
New Year’s Resolution: Create an Estate Plan Read More »