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Estate Planning 101: What an Estate Plan Actually Includes

Jan. 11, 2026

When most people hear the term estate planning, they immediately think “a will.” While a will is important, a complete estate plan is much more than a single document.

If you live in Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, Hermitage, Old Hickory, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Donelson, Nashville, Smyrna, LaVergne, or Murfreesboro, understanding what an estate plan truly includes can save your family time, money, stress, and in some cases, court involvement.

This Estate Planning 101 guide breaks down what a comprehensive estate plan actually includes, why each piece matters, and what happens when one is missing.

What Is an Estate Plan?

An estate plan is a set of legal documents designed to:

  • Protect you while you’re alive

  • Ensure your wishes are followed if you become incapacitated

  • Transfer your assets efficiently at death

  • Reduce family conflict and court involvement

A proper Tennessee estate plan is customized to your family, assets, and goals, not a one-size-fits-all template.

1. Last Will and Testament

A will answers critical questions such as:

  • Who inherits your property?

  • Who serves as executor of your estate?

  • Who becomes guardian of your minor children?

Without a valid will, Tennessee’s intestacy laws decide who inherits, often in ways that surprise families and create conflict.

📍 This is especially important for families in Wilson County, Davidson County, Rutherford County, and Sumner County, where probate court processes vary and delays can be costly.

2. Revocable Living Trust

A revocable living trust offers major benefits:

  • Avoids probate

  • Provides privacy

  • Allows smoother asset management if you become incapacitated

  • Offers greater control over distributions

Trusts are particularly helpful if you:

  • Own real estate

  • Have blended families

  • Want to protect children from receiving assets too early

  • Own a business

Many clients in Mt. Juliet, Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, and Nashville choose trusts to simplify things for their families.

3. Durable Power of Attorney (Financial)

This document allows someone you trust to handle financial matters if you cannot, including:

  • Paying bills

  • Managing bank accounts

  • Handling real estate transactions

  • Running a business

Without a power of attorney, your loved ones may have to seek a court-appointed conservatorship, which is time-consuming and expensive.

4. Healthcare Power of Attorney & Living Will

These documents address medical decisions, not finances.

They allow you to:

  • Name who can make medical decisions for you

  • State your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment

  • Avoid family disputes during medical emergencies

This is crucial for adults of all ages, not just seniors.

5. HIPAA Authorization

A HIPAA release allows your loved ones to:

  • Speak with doctors

  • Access medical records

  • Receive updates in emergencies

Without it, even close family members may be shut out during critical moments.

6. Beneficiary Designations & Asset Alignment

Many assets pass outside of your will, including:

  • Retirement accounts

  • Life insurance

  • Payable-on-death bank accounts

A complete estate plan ensures:

  • Beneficiaries are properly named

  • Assets are coordinated with your will or trust

  • Outdated designations don’t derail your intentions

This step is often overlooked—and frequently causes litigation.

7. Minor Children & Legacy Planning

If you have children, estate planning is about far more than money.

It includes:

  • Naming guardians

  • Setting up trusts for minors

  • Providing instructions for care, education, and values

  • Avoiding court-controlled conservatorships

Parents in Smyrna, LaVergne, Donelson, and Old Hickory often assume these issues “work themselves out.” Unfortunately, they do not.

What Happens If You Don’t Have an Estate Plan?

Without an estate plan:

  • Tennessee law decides who inherits

  • Probate can be lengthy and public

  • Family conflict is more likely

  • Courts may control decisions you assumed your family could make

Estate planning isn’t about wealth.  It’s about control, clarity, and protection.

Estate Planning in Mt. Juliet & Middle Tennessee

Estate planning laws are state-specific, and Tennessee has unique probate and conservatorship rules. A properly drafted plan ensures your documents work when your family actually needs them.

If you live in:

  • Mt. Juliet

  • Lebanon

  • Hermitage

  • Old Hickory

  • Gallatin

  • Hendersonville

  • Donelson

  • Nashville

  • Smyrna

  • LaVergne

  • Murfreesboro

…working with a Tennessee estate planning attorney matters.

Ready to Start Your Estate Plan?

Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—but it does need to be done correctly.

📞 Schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Georgina K. Hughes to create an estate plan that actually protects you and the people you love.

Estate Planning 101 is an ongoing educational series designed to help Middle Tennessee families make informed decisions with confidence.