Use This County Probate Reference Before You File
This page is built for the detailed county-level checks that generic probate guides usually miss: local filing fees, Clerk & Master contact details, administrative orders, e-filing rules, and hearing logistics for DeKalb County.
Local Fee Schedule
Review county-specific probate filing charges before you estimate total case cost.
Court Rules and Orders
Check the local rules, judge procedures, and administrative orders that can change how a case moves.
Clerk and Filing Logistics
Confirm where to file, whether e-filing is allowed, and how hearings or notices are handled locally.
DeKalb County Clerk & Master Guide
13th Judicial District of Tennessee · Clerk & Master information · Updated June 2026
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Filing & Fees
Fee Schedule Signals
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
Formal Administration Standard probate for larger estates | $230 |
Small Estate Affidavit For estates under threshold (no court filing needed) | $41 |
Note: Tennessee sets probate court costs by a statewide statutory clerk fee schedule (Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-401), not by a percentage of estate value, and there is no state probate, estate, or inheritance tax. The clerk charges a flat $230 to open and close a full estate (other than a small estate) and $41 to file a small estate petition for limited letters. DeKalb County is a general-law (non-charter) county, so it uses this flat $230 / $41 schedule rather than the itemized charter-county schedule in Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-409. On top of the statutory clerk fee, the county adds local litigation taxes, data-entry fees, publication/notice costs, and certified-copy charges, so the practical all-in opening cost is higher (commonly in the ~$300-$345 range statewide) and was not captured line-by-line for this county in this pass. Verify the current all-in amounts with the DeKalb County Chancery Court Clerk and Master before relying on a figure.
Tennessee sets probate court costs by a statewide statutory clerk fee schedule (Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-401), not by a percentage of estate value, and there is no state probate, estate, or inheritance tax. The clerk charges a flat $230 to open and close a full estate (other than a small estate) and $41 to file a small estate petition for limited letters. DeKalb County is a general-law (non-charter) county, so it uses this flat $230 / $41 schedule rather than the itemized charter-county schedule in Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-409. On top of the statutory clerk fee, the county adds local litigation taxes, data-entry fees, publication/notice costs, and certified-copy charges, so the practical all-in opening cost is higher (commonly in the ~$300-$345 range statewide) and was not captured line-by-line for this county in this pass. Verify the current all-in amounts with the DeKalb County Chancery Court Clerk and Master before relying on a figure.
Required Documents
- Original Will
If a will exists, the original must be filed with the Clerk and Master (or Probate Court). Tenn. Code Ann. 32-1-104 / 32-2-110.
- Petition for Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
Opens the estate: Letters Testamentary when there is a will, Letters of Administration when there is none. Local Clerk and Master form.
- Oath of the Personal Representative
Signed and notarized oath of the executor or administrator.
- Fiduciary Bond
Required unless waived by the will or by the court/beneficiaries. Tenn. Code Ann. 30-1-201.
- Order Admitting Will to Probate and Granting Letters
The court order appointing the personal representative and (if applicable) admitting the will.
- Notice to Creditors
Published notice to creditors; the four-month claim period runs from first publication. Tenn. Code Ann. 30-2-306(b).
- Inventory of the Estate
Filed within 60 days of appointment unless waived by the will or all residuary distributees. Tenn. Code Ann. 30-2-301.
E-Filing & Filing Methods
Records portal
Use this county-linked source to check live court-record information when available. Search results may not include every probate record.
Tennessee Case Finder is the statewide public inquiry portal for participating trial-court clerks (Circuit, Chancery/Clerk and Master, and General Sessions). Not every county or case type participates, records are not complete, and document images are generally not available. Confirm case details directly with the DeKalb County Chancery Court Clerk and Master.
Timelines & Proceedings
Deadlines & Creditor Claims
Key Deadlines
- Will Deposit
- Verify locally
- Creditor Claims
- 4 months
Creditor Claims
- Period Starts
- first publication of notice to creditors
Related Proceedings
Property Recording
Sources (6)
- https://www.dekalbtennessee.com/clerk-and-master.html
- https://www.tennesseecasefinder.com/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-8/chapter-21/part-4/section-8-21-401/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-30/chapter-4/section-30-4-102/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-30/chapter-4/section-30-4-103/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-30/chapter-2/part-3/section-30-2-306/