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 Shelby 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.
Shelby County Clerk & Master Guide
Thirtieth Judicial District · Clerk & Master information · Updated June 2026
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Filing & Fees
Fee Schedule Signals
Source ↗Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
Formal Administration Standard probate for larger estates | $342 |
Small Estate Affidavit For estates under threshold (no court filing needed) | $41 |
Note: As a charter-form-of-government county, Shelby uses the itemized probate fee schedule in Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-409 rather than the flat $230 statewide opening fee. The all-in cost to open a full estate has been observed at approximately $341.50 (petition to probate a will) plus a publication fee of roughly $55. The small estate (limited letters) statutory clerk fee is $41 under Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-401, with county add-ons. These amounts are not value-bracketed; Tennessee imposes no probate tax measured against estate value. Verify the current schedule (effective January 1, 2026) with the Shelby County Probate Court Clerk before filing.
As a charter-form-of-government county, Shelby uses the itemized probate fee schedule in Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-409 rather than the flat $230 statewide opening fee. The all-in cost to open a full estate has been observed at approximately $341.50 (petition to probate a will) plus a publication fee of roughly $55. The small estate (limited letters) statutory clerk fee is $41 under Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-401, with county add-ons. These amounts are not value-bracketed; Tennessee imposes no probate tax measured against estate value. Verify the current schedule (effective January 1, 2026) with the Shelby County Probate Court Clerk before filing.
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
Check live court-record information when available. Search results may not include every probate record.
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
- Statute
- Tenn. Code § 30-2-306