TN estate risk
Guardianship risk in Tennessee
How courts appoint guardians for minors when no plan is in place.
Tennessee guardianship actions for minors may be filed in juvenile court or a court exercising probate jurisdiction depending on the type of guardianship sought.
At a glance
Key takeaways
- Guardian of the person actions may be filed in juvenile court.
- Guardian of the person or property (or both) actions may be filed in a court exercising probate jurisdiction or another court of record.
- Venue is based on the minor's residence or the custodial parent's residence.
Questions to consider
Questions to consider in Tennessee
- What happens to minor children immediately after a death?
- How does the court choose a guardian?
- How long can the guardianship process take?
State overview
Tennessee guardianship actions for minors may be filed in juvenile court or a court exercising probate jurisdiction depending on the type of guardianship sought.
- Guardian of the person actions may be filed in juvenile court.
- Guardian of the person or property (or both) actions may be filed in a court exercising probate jurisdiction or another court of record.
- Venue is based on the minor's residence or the custodial parent's residence.
Sources
Background sources
- Uniform Probate Code (2019) - Protection of persons under disability
Article V provides model guardianship and conservatorship rules.
- Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act (UGCOPAA)
Modern standards for guardianships and protective arrangements.
- Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJA)
Interstate jurisdiction and transfer rules for guardianships.
National sources provide baseline context; state statutes and court rules control in Tennessee.
Optional next steps
Continue with related estate-risk context
Educational resources only. No forms and no legal advice.
Understand death-risk context for Tennessee
LifeRiskIQ gives broader mortality context that can help frame when estate planning becomes more urgent.
Understand retirement-risk context for Tennessee
RetirementRiskIQ explains how asset growth and longevity can increase estate complexity over time.
Review federal estate tax basics
IRS guidance on federal estate tax thresholds, filings, and definitions.