Skip to main content

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 Cheatham 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.

Cheatham County Clerk & Master Guide

Settled Estate records a $275+ court filing fee and a 4-month creditor claim period for the Cheatham County Chancery Court (Probate), read from 10 linked sources and last verified June 14, 2026.

By Settled Estate Editorial Team

23rd Judicial District of Tennessee · Clerk & Master information · Updated June 2026

Viewing the professional reference · Switch to the family guide

23rd Judicial District of Tennessee|
Case Search
Jump to:FeesDocumentsFilingDeadlines

Filing & Fees

Fee Schedule Signals

Probate Filing Fees

Filing TypeFee
Formal Administration
Standard probate for larger estates
$275
Small Estate Affidavit
For estates under threshold (no court filing needed)
$275

Note: Cheatham County's Clerk and Master handles probate matters in the 23rd Judicial District. The statewide statutory clerk fees apply as the documented baseline: a standard clerk filing fee of $275 for any probate estate, a full administration and a small estate petition alike (Tenn. Code Ann. 8-21-401(c)(1) as rewritten by 2025 Tenn. Pub. Ch. 486, effective January 1, 2026), rising to $300 on January 1, 2027 and $325 on January 1, 2028, plus local litigation taxes, publication, and certified-copy charges. Verify current local amounts with the Cheatham County Clerk and Master before relying on a figure. The $275 figure applies through December 31, 2026.

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

Check live court-record information when available. Search results may not include every probate record.

Open the records portal
Filing Methods: in person, by appointment

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

Related Proceedings

Property Recording

Source ↗