Probate can feel overwhelming, especially after losing a loved one. Many clients come in confused, facing piles of paperwork, accounts they never managed, and mixed messages about what to do next. At  Cook Tillman Law Group , we help Tennessee families navigate the probate process with clarity, support, and practical guidance, making the process as stress-free as possible. Take Your Time One of the first lessons we share with clients is that there’s rarely an emergency in pro

Most executors have never probated a will before. If you’re struggling to navigate the probate process while dealing with the loss of a loved one, you’re not alone–and our team of skilled and experienced attorneys is here to support you every step of the way. From our first meeting, we will help you understand what the probate process will entail. Together, we will assess your situation, outline what steps need to be taken, and create a sustainable plan that can be carried ou

Estate planning is, by nature, a practice that affects multiple generations. We are honored to guide our clients through the complexities of a planning process that affects not only them, but their families. Because our work is far-reaching and carries long-term implications for both our clients and their loved ones, we view it as our responsibility to earn–and keep–their trust. Let’s talk about why maintaining excellent client relationships is crucial for estate planning, an

At  Cook Tillman Law Group , we understand that estate planning can feel overwhelming, especially for clients approaching it for the first time. We also know how important it is for financial advisors to partner with a law firm they can trust: one that communicates clearly, delivers promptly, and reflects well on their own service standards. That’s why our team is committed to serving both clients and the advisors who refer them. We’ve refined our process to make estate plann

When it comes to estate planning, one of the most important decisions you'll make is determining how to manage and distribute your assets after you pass away. Two of the most common tools used in estate planning are a will and a trust. Both outline your wishes for asset distribution, but they work differently. Understanding the difference can help you choose the best option for your family. The Key Differences Between a Will and a Trust While both a will and a trust are used

One of the most important aspects of ensuring that loved ones are protected and financial affairs are handled according to your wishes is having a  comprehensive estate plan  in place. A comprehensive estate plan is more than just a will. It encompasses several critical documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced directives. These documents work together to provide a safety net for your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored, no matter what the

With the season of goal setting and resolutions upon us, financial planning is top-of-mind for many. Though it’s always good to have an...

At Cook Tillman, we’re eager to help financial planners learn estate planning strategies they can implement when serving clients. In...

Financial planning involves careful consideration of your client's finances, staying in conversation with them as their needs and goals...

As a financial planner, you know that protecting a client’s wealth through proper estate planning is critical to any financial plan....

There are many reasons people may avoid estate planning. At Cook Tillman, we understand that information can be a difference maker that...

Residents of community property states have tax benefits that we, residents of Tennessee, lack. One of these benefits is that when one...

It is a huge relief to draft an estate plan that avoids probate and distributes your assets to loved ones and other beneficiaries. But...

A trust can help protect your assets and assure that your estate is appropriately distributed to your family members. After you decide to...

Your estate is an important legacy you can leave behind for your children. Because of the inheritance they will receive when you’re gone,...

You can use a number of estate planning tools to achieve all sorts of goals. Some help to shield assets from creditors while others can...

A trust provides you with enhanced control and protection over your hard-earned assets. Notably, a trust can protect your assets from...

The Tennessee probate process governs asset administration following an individual’s death. A common probate scenario spotlights...

It’s typical for most people to update their will every three to five years. However, some situations should kickstart this process....

The relevant details surrounding an existing bank account are likely to be pretty clear when it comes time to administer a given estate....