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 Lauderdale 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.
Lauderdale County Clerk & Master Guide
25th 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 imposes no state probate tax measured against estate value. Under the statewide statutory clerk fee schedule (Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-401), the Clerk & Master 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. Lauderdale County adds local litigation taxes, data-entry fees, publication, and certified-copy charges on top, so the practical all-in opening cost is higher and varies (commonly in the ~$300-$345 range statewide). Exact current local add-ons were not captured in this pass; verify the current all-in amounts with the Lauderdale County Clerk & Master before relying on a figure.
Tennessee imposes no state probate tax measured against estate value. Under the statewide statutory clerk fee schedule (Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-401), the Clerk & Master 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. Lauderdale County adds local litigation taxes, data-entry fees, publication, and certified-copy charges on top, so the practical all-in opening cost is higher and varies (commonly in the ~$300-$345 range statewide). Exact current local add-ons were not captured in this pass; verify the current all-in amounts with the Lauderdale County Clerk & 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's statewide public case-history search (C-Track) covers the appellate courts and is not a complete index of county Chancery Court probate filings. Many trial-court probate records are not online. Confirm case details directly with the Lauderdale County Clerk & 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
Source ↗Sources (7)
- https://lauderdalecountytn.org/our-county/government/
- https://lauderdalecountytn.org/our-county/government/
- https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/public-case-history
- https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/docs/probate_manual_final.pdf
- https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/docs/probate_manual_final.pdf
- https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/docs/probate_manual_final.pdf
- https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/docs/probate_manual_final.pdf