Losing a loved one is difficult enough. Dealing with their Estate shouldn’t add to your burden.

We’re Tennessee attorneys focused exclusively on helping people with Probate, Estate, Trust matters and litigation.

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Download The Guardian Guide to Tennessee Probate

Learn Essential Information and Practical Tips for navigating the probate process including common pitfalls, how to avoid them, and what to do if they happen.
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Practice Areas

We focus exclusively on Probate and Estate Law

In fact, we do not accept any other types of cases

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Estate Administration

With or without a Will, the Guardian Team will Guide your family, and make sure the estate is settled properly the first time according to Tennessee Law.

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Estate Disputes & Litigation

Estate disputes are hard. Whether it is dealing with an unfaithful executor or challenging an improper will, our team aligns with your goals and plays to win.

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Out-of-State Probate

Handling an estate from a distance can be very challenging and time consuming. We can ease those burdens and handle many estate tasks for you.

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Trust Administration

Trusts are complicated. Our team guides trustees to ensure that the trust terms are respected and everything is handled properly .

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Trust Disputes & Litigation

Each trust is unique. Each trust dispute is different. Guardian team carefully reviews the trust to determine the best strategy to achieve your goals.

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Don’t live with uncertainty. Get the answers you need and take charge of your situation.

Have a Complimentary Consultation with a Member of Our Team.

testimonials

How Clients Feel About Our Service, Commitment, and Legal Experience.

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Amazing Caring Group of Folks!

Absolute best experience! Explained the process of title and estate so even I understood it. Jenny especially took so much time and was very patient with me. Highly Recommend!

Val.

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Fantastic Team!

After my Grandmother passed away, I found that I needed to hire an attorney who could help me through the estate process. The team has been fantastic and has guided me through the entire process. 

Matthew.

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Wonderful professionals to work with!

I can only say “Thank you” to your law firm. It has been three years since we have been working together. You have been so helpful to me as a person who had never done this before. I want to thank Maggie and Courtney, who have been working so patiently with me on all the questions that I had in this case. I want to thank Atty. David for all that he has done in this case. He was there with us in the courthouse to represent us in an outstanding way. 

Mark.

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Fantastic To Work With

They were extremely motivated to answer the questions I had. Their information I received has helped me so much & lifted tons of weight from my shoulders. I can relax now after a year of uncertainty. My case was opened & closed in a couple days. Great job to the group I worked with.

Jan.

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The paralegal and attorney assigned to our case have represented our interest in a very professional manner all the while communicating by phone and email to keep us up to date on the progress at every step.

Andy G.

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I would have no problem recommending your law firm to anyone who would need help with wills and any other legal issues. Thanks again for your great help and support. God bless

Mark.

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The consultation with Jenny was thorough. She listened to the issues with my specific case and made sure she understood what my specific needs for the estate would be. She clearly explained the overall process from start to finish.

Matthew.

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The entire team has been nothing but understanding, compassionate, professional, and thorough. I would recommend them to anyone who needs a Probate attorney.

Matthew.

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I am very pleased with the service we have received and have already recommended them to a friend who lost his Mother recently.

Andy G.

Our Accolades

10.0 superb Avvo Rating awarded. Top Probate Attorney.Avvo Clients Choice Award 2016Avvo Clients Choice Award 2018Top 10 Best Law Firm Awarded for client satisfaction by the American Institute of Legal Council BBB Accredited Business. Rating A+Super Lawyers 2018 Awarded to Erik Broel

The TEAM

At Guardian Probate Law Group, we deliver compassionate, top-tier service focused exclusively on probate and estate law.

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Erik Broel
Founding Attorney
Portrait of David Dupree
Dave D. Dupee
Senior Attorney
Bryan Jakes
Probate Attorney
Portrait of Susan Flythe
Susan Flythe
Paralegal
Portrait of Maggie O'Neil
Maggie M. O’Neil
Paralegal
Portrait of Jenny Denker
Jenny Denker
Client Consultant

All About Us

Our mission is to help families through the probate process and ensure the estate is handled right.

At Guardian Probate Law Group, we focus exclusively on helping families on helping families who have lost a loved one.

We focus on making the process as peaceful and efficient where possible, and we litigate disputes aggressively when necessary.

We're committed to ensuring that the estate is handled properly and that your rights are protected, while respecting your loved one's legacy.

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Our passion for probate law is deeply rooted in a personal story.

During his college years, our founding attorney, Erik Broel, witnessed a probate estate situation spiral out of control in his own family.  

An uncle's death left Erik's aunt, someone he was very close to, in a devastating position. The ensuing estate sale and its impact, seeing cherished family items being tagged and sold, left a lasting impression on him.

He saw his aunt struggle with the complexities of estate management without a will, leading to family discord and confusion at a time when unity and peace were most needed.

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Erik’s efforts to assist his aunt, who had to navigate through estate sales and even repurchase her own house, left a lasting impact on him. Witnessing her emotional and physical distress inspired Erik to dedicate his career to preventing others from undergoing similar difficulties.

This experience fueled his commitment to finding better ways to handle estates and trusts, ensuring that others don't endure similar hardships.

Erik's mission is to demystify the estate and trust processes, making them accessible and manageable, always with a human touch. His belief in specialization means that clients receive focused, empathetic guidance tailored to their unique circumstances.

Our team in Tennessee continues this mission, ensuring that every client receives the support they need during challenging times.
Portrait of David Dupree

David Dupee

Senior Attorney - Guardian Tennessee

David Dupee, originally from Kentucky, combines his rich educational background from Emory University School of Law and Covenant College with a deep-seated passion for legal advocacy.

His journey towards law began in high school, driven by a desire to assist those facing complex legal challenges.

At Guardian, David aligns his commitment to helping clients navigate the intricacies of trust and estate matters with compassion and expertise.

Beyond his professional life, David is a family man who treasures moments with his wife, Rachel, and their son. Whether it's going on fishing adventures or refereeing soccer games, David finds joy in these simple pleasures.

His hobby of reviving broken items not only reflects his resourceful nature but also parallels his professional role in bringing solutions to challenging situations.

FAQ's

Getting you all the answers you need

Q:

Is Probate Necessary?

A:

Probate isn't always required, but it's often advisable to ensure legal responsibilities are met and to prevent future issues. While specific laws vary, the general principle of protecting against liability and future complications is consistent across states.

Q:

How Long Does Probate Take?

A:

The duration of probate can vary significantly. Generally, depending on the estate's complexity, it can take several months to over a year. Each case is unique, and timelines can differ based on specific circumstances.

Q:

What Are the Duties of an Executor or Administrator?

A:

Executors and administrators have critical responsibilities, including managing the estate in compliance with state laws and ensuring fair distribution of property. They must prioritize the estate's best interests, maintaining a high standard of care to avoid personal liability.

Q:

Am I Entitled to Anything from the Estate?

A:

Inheritance depends on several factors, including the presence and validity of a will and state-specific inheritance laws. Without a will, inheritance typically follows state guidelines for distributing the estate.

Q:

What Happens if Someone Violates the Will's Terms?

A:

If a will's terms are not being followed, interested parties, such as heirs or beneficiaries, can seek legal intervention. It's crucial to address any deviations from the will promptly to protect the estate's integrity.

Q:

When is a Will Invalid?

A:

A will may be invalid for various reasons, such as a later will superseding it, improper signing, or the testator's lack of capacity or undue influence at the time of signing. Each situation requires a careful legal evaluation.

Q:

What if Someone has Abused a Power of Attorney?

A:

Abuse of power of attorney is a serious concern. If the abuser is also an executor or administrator nominee, legal steps can be taken to prevent their appointment. It's vital to act quickly in these cases to protect the estate's interests.

Q:

What if Someone is Misusing Estate Property?

A:

Immediate legal action is necessary if estate property is being misused. This may involve court petitions and, depending on the situation's urgency, law enforcement involvement to protect the estate's assets.

Q:

Which Creditors Must Be Paid?

A:

All valid creditors of an estate have a right to be paid. The order of payment and the process of addressing creditor claims can vary based on state laws and the estate's specifics.

Q:

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A:

Handling Medicaid claims requires careful adherence to legal requirements. If you receive a Medicaid claim, it's important to consult a probate lawyer to understand your options and respond effectively.

Q:

Can Medicaid Claims be Avoided?

A:

Handling Medicaid claims requires careful adherence to legal requirements. If you receive a Medicaid claim, it's important to consult a probate lawyer to understand your options and respond effectively.

Q:

Who are the Heirs in Blended Families?

A:

In blended families, heirs typically include natural and legally adopted relatives. Stepchildren are generally not considered legal heirs unless formally adopted by the deceased.

Q:

What if Life Insurance Refuses to Pay a Claim?

A:

If life insurance denies a claim, your response depends on the reason for denial. If it's due to policy lapse, specific legal requirements apply. In cases of improper notice or extended grace periods, the insurer may be obligated to pay.

Q:

What Happens to a Business Owned by the Deceased?

A:

The fate of a business depends on its structure. Sole proprietorships typically cease operations upon the owner's death, while corporations or LLCs may continue. The handling of business assets can be complex and requires legal guidance.

Q:

How Long Does Guardianship or Conservatorship Last?

A:

Trusts, whether living trusts or those established in a will, have specific purposes and conditions. The trust's terms govern their management and the distribution of assets and may require specialized legal assistance.