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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 Morgan 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.

Morgan County Clerk & Master Guide

9th Judicial District of Tennessee · Clerk & Master information · Updated June 2026

423-346-3881County Clerk

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Filing & Fees

Fee Schedule Signals

Probate Filing Fees

Filing TypeFee
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 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. Morgan County is a general (non-charter) county, so it uses the flat $230/$41 schedule rather than the itemized charter-county schedule in Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-409 (used in Davidson and Knox). 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 all-in cost is higher and varies (commonly about $300 to $345 for a full estate). Verify the current local add-on amounts with the Clerk and 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 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. Morgan County is a general (non-charter) county, so it uses the flat $230/$41 schedule rather than the itemized charter-county schedule in Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-409 (used in Davidson and Knox). 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 all-in cost is higher and varies (commonly about $300 to $345 for a full estate). Verify the current local add-on amounts with the Clerk and Master before relying on a figure.

Required Documents

  • Certified Death Certificate

    Order several certified copies from the Tennessee Office of Vital Records ($15 each); the court and asset holders each need one.

  • 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

Case SearchProbate Forms

Records portal

Use this county-linked source to check live court-record information when available. Search results may not include every probate record.

Open portal
Source foundSearchable, completeness not guaranteedPublic portal

Tennessee's statewide Public Case History portal (Administrative Office of the Courts) provides public case-status search for the appellate courts; it does not provide complete trial-level probate records. Most county probate (Chancery / Clerk and Master) records are not searchable statewide online. Confirm case details directly with the county Clerk and Master.

Filing Methods: in person, by mail

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

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