Contesting Will In Tennessee

Summary

Contesting a will in Tennessee requires being an interested person, filing within two years of probate, and having valid grounds like undue influence or fraud. Local legal aid or law school clinics may offer assistance.

Full Conversation

I am trying to see if I can contest a will
Hi June, contesting a will depends on your relationship to the deceased, reasons for contesting, and local laws. Could you please tell me your location and your relationship to the deceased?
i’m sorry I hit the button too soon. Anyway, my mother and stepfather had wheels made up in * and if that time they told me that each child at their death would get a portion of the estate. There was five children since then my mother passed in * my brother passed in * and my sister passed in March of * my stepfather then had a new wheel made in * and he left everything to his two sons. My stepfather and mother were married 46 years and my mother worked until retirement age and contributed to house payments upkeep of home and I just don’t think that my mother’s children and grandchildren should be excluded , because my mother and stepfather told me that in the event of the death of one of the children that their surviving children would be able to get their mother or father‘s portion I have reached out to my stepbrother regarding this, and he will not answer, text or phone calls and completely ignores me there are things in the home that belong to my mothers mother, my grandmother, which I don’t think that my stepbrothers should be entitled to I think it is just wrong advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I am 77 years old and on SSI so unfortunately , I can’t hire an attorney to fight the battle
Hello June, I understand your situation. To provide accurate information, I need your location. Contesting a will often depends on local laws.
I live in Kingsport Tennessee in Sullivan county
Hello June, contesting a will in Tennessee is possible under certain conditions:
*. You must be an "interested person" (a beneficiary under the will, or a relative who would inherit if there was no will).
*. You need to file a will contest in court within two years of the will being admitted to probate.
*. Grounds for contesting may include undue influence, fraud, or lack of testamentary capacity.
Please consult a local legal aid office for specific advice.
I contacted Legal Aid in Johnson City, Tennessee and was told they did not handle probate cases
I'm sorry to hear that, June. In Tennessee, you might find assistance at the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee. They offer help with probate matters occasionally. Alternatively, you could approach a law school clinic or a local bar association referral service for low-cost or pro bono help.
I will reach out to them. Thank you so much for your help
You're welcome, June. I'm glad I could help. Don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions. Good luck with your legal journey.
Again thank you
You're very welcome, June! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance. Best of luck with everything.