FindLaw | Find a Lawyer. Find Answers.
Are you a legal Professional?
My current location:
,
| Change location
Tennessee Wills Laws
Explanation of Chart and More Information on Wills Laws
| Code Section | 32-1-102, et seq. |
| Age of Testator | 18 years or older and of sound mind |
| Number of Witnesses | Two or more attesting witnesses must sign in presence of testator and each other after testator signifies to the attesting witnesses that the instrument is his will and he signs or acknowledges his signature, or at his direction and in his presence have someone else sign his name. |
| Nuncupative (Oral Wills) | Must be made only by person in imminent peril of death and valid only if testator dies as result of peril; must be declared to be his will before two disinterested witnesses, reduced to writing by or under direction of one of the witnesses within 30 days and submitted to probate within 6 months after death of testator; only valid for personal property not exceeding $1000 unless person is in active military, air, or naval service in time of war, then $10,000; neither revokes nor changes existing written will. |
| Holographic Wills | Signature and material provisions must be in handwriting of testator and handwriting must be proved by two witnesses (no witnesses necessary to the will). |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law:
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Related Resources for Wills Laws:
FAQs
- Are there any special legal formalities required to make my will legally valid?
- Can I disinherit my spouse and children?
- What if the executor I choose can't serve when the time comes, or doesn't want to?
- In my will, can I leave my property to anyone I wish?
- Does it matter who my witnesses are?