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SB 2290

Probate Law - As introduced, permits a petitioner or affiant to proceed pro se in the administration of a small estate if the personal property consists exclusively of one or more life insurance policies that do not exceed $15,000 in value and are intended to be used for the decedent's burial, funeral, or final expenses; specifies that a person who files for a small estate affidavit or limited letters of authority is deemed to be acting in an individual capacity; requires the court clerk to provide a standardized form for filers. - Amends TCA Title 30; Section 56-7-206 and Title 62, Chapter 5.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee bill allows people to skip court proceedings and handle small estates with life insurance under $15,000 for funeral costs using simplified forms.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 2290

Legislative bill overview

SB 2290 simplifies the probate process for small estates by allowing individuals to handle the administration themselves (pro se) when the only assets are life insurance policies under $15,000 designated for burial and funeral expenses. The bill requires courts to provide standardized forms and clarifies that filers are acting in their individual capacity rather than as estate representatives.

Why is this important

This addresses a practical gap in Tennessee probate law where families dealing with modest life insurance proceeds for funeral costs currently must navigate the full court system or hire attorneys, creating unnecessary legal barriers and expenses during grief. The streamlined process could reduce costs and processing time for a common, straightforward type of estate settlement.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope limitations: Restricting this benefit exclusively to life insurance policies (not other small assets like bank accounts or personal property) may seem arbitrary and could create confusion about whether certain assets qualify
  • $15,000 threshold: The cap may be outdated or inadequate as funeral costs continue rising; unclear whether this figure was based on current average funeral expenses
  • Liability and accountability: Removing court oversight for certain estates raises questions about whether proper accounting occurs and whether beneficiaries have adequate protection against misuse of funds

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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