According to Trust & Will, the total time from beginning the process to clearing probate court for your estate could be over two years. That’s two years when your family can’t access what you left them. That’s why financial expert Suze Orman suggests getting your financial house in order now. Don't Miss: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement — How do you compare? Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest...

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is already difficult. And when probate becomes part of the picture, it can bring more stress to you and your family. In Tennessee, unsecured assets enter probate court, which is a public process that could take months, and make your family vulnerable to disputes from other parties. […] The post How to Avoid Probate in Tennessee appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset.

Angela M. Cole was surrounded by family, colleagues, friends and neighbors on Friday during her investiture as Midland County Probate Court and 42nd Circuit Court – Family Division Judge. “This has been my lifelong dream,” said Cole, who ran unopposed in succeeding Judge Dorene Allen. Her sons dressed her in the black robe and her nieces presented her with a gavel. Cole once clerked for former Midland County Circuit Court Judge Paul Clulo. She...