Expert Estate Planning Attorneys in Nashville, TN

Protect your family and your wishes with the right estate plan. Serving Nashville, Franklin and surrounding areas.

Preserve Your Family’s Legacy

Estate Planning Attorney in Nashville

Elder Law of Nashville PLC offers a range of legal services to help you plan for the future and preserve your legacy. Our estate planning packages include powers of attorney for financial and healthcare decisions, living wills, and advanced directives. Every family’s estate plan will be based on their unique financial and personal circumstances.

Questions You Should Consider as You Write Your Will

Most people have some idea of the importance of having a will. A will specifies your wishes for your estate after you pass away. It lets both the courts and your family know your wishes. Having a will can offer you and your family peace of mind in the wake of tragedy. However, many families don’t consider the importance of having a living will, though having both a will and a living will are both important aspects of estate planning.

What is the difference between a will and a living will?

The biggest difference between a will and a living will is the period of time when each instrument goes into effect. A will is used after you pass away to distribute assets to your family and loved ones. A living will instructs family members and loved ones about your wishes regarding your financial matters and your medical wishes should you become too ill or incapacitated to make these decisions for yourself.

For instance, individuals sometimes become too ill or incapacitated to make important financial or medical decisions before they die. This can happen if a younger person is involved in a car accident or if an older person is diagnosed with a progressive illness. This is where a living will can be important. A living will can let your family and medical professionals know your wishes regarding medical treatment, including whether you want resuscitation. Sometimes families face serious medical decisions without guidance when an individual doesn’t have a living will on file. This is why writing a living will should be part of any estate planning process.

The attorneys at Elder Law of Nashville PLC are estate planning lawyers who can help you and your family ask the tough questions now in order to avoid stress, distress, and grief later. Our firm offers compassionate and caring guidance to families and individuals in all life stages. It is never too early or too late to begin estate planning. Many individuals think about estate planning during major life events: a marriage, the birth of a child, or retirement. If you are considering beginning an estate plan, visit the estate planning law firm professionals at Elder Law of Nashville PLC today.

You have a family member with a disability.

The issues are extremely similar for families with a disabled family member as they are for the families of seniors. How will you get and pay for health care? What is the best living arrangement? What services is your family member qualified for? Contact us for a consultation if you need help.

What an Estate Planning Attorney Does

Aside from the last will and testament, often the only task people think an estate lawyer does, your attorney will work on several other factors to protect you and your family. They will coordinate transfers of affairs, handle tax issues, protect your beneficiaries from creditors and truly represent your desires upon your departure.

One of the significant things an estate planning attorney does is work on your behalf, in the event you are mentally or physically unable to communicate your legal desires. This means that you ultimately have control over what happens, even if you’re unable to express it verbally or physically. This can be beneficial in the event of health care directives, guidance for your family at your time of medical need, and designate others to look after your affairs if you’re unable.

Reasons to Hire an Attorney

Probate – Avoiding and Foreshadowing

Most of us aren’t thinking about “probate” daily, and you might not really understand its full context in estate affairs. If you’re unfamiliar with this term or action; this is when someone handles your matters, heirs, and creditors. If you do not have a Nashville estate planning attorney, the court will designate someone to handle this. Unfortunately, this might complicate what happens to your possessions, finances, and heirs. An estate planning lawyer will foresee what is to come and plan accordingly to ensure your affairs are only handled by the persons designated in your will and associated documents.

State Tax Reductions

It is a devastating thought, that state taxes could wipe out the majority of the inheritance you leave your family or your family leaves to you. This is one of the more significant reasons why people hire an estate planning attorney. Basic financial planning with your attorney can eliminate or significantly reduce the tax burden on your loved ones. This can be done through trusts and other legal strategies that aim to protect your effects.

Protect Beneficiaries and Your Assets

You can protect your minor beneficiaries from adults, or protect adult beneficiaries from making poor decisions by using a Nashville estate planning lawyer. This will alleviate some of the confusion or misuse of your financial assets. At the same time, your estate planning attorney will better be able to protect your assets while you are still alive and after your death. If any lawsuits are filed against you or your estate, it will be too late to protect your assets. An estate attorney can plan for these situations to ensure your assets are protected today and tomorrow.

Should I create a will or a revocable trust?

Before you choose between a will or a revocable trust, you should speak to the estate planning attorneys at Elder Law of Nashville. Either approach has its benefits and drawbacks. It takes careful understanding of your family’s situation and the nature and extent of your assets to craft the right plan for you.

Related Services

Estate Planning

LEARN MORE

Care Coordination

LEARN MORE

Probate

LEARN MORE

Conservatorships

LEARN MORE

Medicaid Planning

LEARN MORE

Special Needs Trust Planning

LEARN MORE

Revocable Trust

LEARN MORE

Resources

Estate planning for seniors in Tennessee

Seniors in Nashville, TN: Don’t Put Off Seeing an Estate Planning Attorney

by Barbara Moss | Sep 5, 2024 | Blog, Estate Planning | 0 Comments

There are times when seniors in Nashville, TN, Brentwood, Franklin, or other nearby suburbs need to talk to an estate planning lawyer. It’s essential to ensure that a...

What a Medicaid Planning Attorney Does for Nashville Seniors and Families

by Barbara Moss | Jan 15, 2026 | Blog, Medicaid Planning | 0 Comments

Key Takeaways: A Medicaid planning attorney helps families qualify for Medicaid while protecting assets and avoiding costly mistakes. Medicaid rules in Tennessee...

Writing Your Will in Tennessee? Why Hiring a Last Will Lawyer Is Essential

by Barbara Moss | Dec 23, 2025 | Blog | 0 Comments

Key Takeaways Tennessee wills must meet strict signing and witness rules DIY wills often lead to costly mistakes and disputes Estate planning lawyers provide...

Finding the Right Estate Planning Attorney in Franklin, TN

by Barbara Moss | Dec 18, 2025 | Estate Planning | 0 Comments

Key Takeaways Local expertise matters for effective estate planning in Franklin, TN. Choose an attorney who specializes in estate and elder law. Good communication and...

Estate Attorney Nashville TN: Helping You Plan for the Future

by Barbara Moss | Dec 9, 2025 | Estate Planning | 0 Comments

Key Takeaways Local estate attorneys understand Tennessee’s unique laws and court procedures Early planning prevents family disputes and legal complications Custom...

Protecting Your Home and Savings with a Tennessee Asset Protection Trust

by Barbara Moss | Dec 4, 2025 | Trust | 0 Comments

Key Takeaways Asset protection trusts offer strong protection for homes, savings, and inheritances in Tennessee. Tennessee law allows self-settled trusts with powerful...

Tennessee Living Trust Guide: Protecting Your Family and Your Future

by Barbara Moss | Nov 24, 2025 | Elder Law Attorney, Special Needs Trust | 0 Comments

Key Takeaways A Tennessee living trust allows you to avoid probate and keep your estate private after the grantor’s death. Tennessee no longer has estate tax or...

Choosing the Right Estate Planning Attorney in Nashville, TN

by Barbara Moss | Nov 17, 2025 | Elder Law Attorney, Estate Planning | 0 Comments

Estate planning may not be the most exciting thing on your to-do list, but it’s one of the few tasks that protects everything you’ve built. In a fast-growing city...

How to Find the Best Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorneys in Nashville, TN

by Barbara Moss | Nov 11, 2025 | Blog, Elder Law Attorney, Estate Planning | 0 Comments

Key Takeaways The best attorneys in Nashville, TN, combine legal skill with genuine compassion. Choose a lawyer who focuses on elder law or estate planning every day....

What Is a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust and How Does It Work in Tennessee?

by Barbara Moss | Nov 5, 2025 | Blog, Medicaid | 0 Comments

Key Takeaways A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust helps families protect savings and property while meeting Medicaid’s asset limit for long-term care. Because it’s an...

VIEW ALL RESOURCES

When’s the Right Time to Create Your Estate Plan?

Visit our FAQs page to get answers to common questions or contact our team of elder law attorneys in Nashville today!

Roger Jackson

03:09 20 Jun 25

I'm incredibly grateful to Elder Law of Nashville for their outstanding support during a challenging time in my life. Their expertise helped me get my wife onto TENNCARE while ensuring that my assets were safeguarded, a combination of care and competence that truly exceeded my expectations. Elder Law was a true stress reliever, offering both reassurance and adept legal direction when I needed it most. Thank you, Elder Law, for your exceptional service and dedication. I will forever be grateful for the positive impact you've made on my life,

Roger J

Response from the owner 15:26 20 Jun 25

Thank you so much, Roger, for your heartfelt words. We're truly honored to have been able to support you during such a significant and challenging time. Helping you navigate the TENNCARE process while protecting your assets is exactly the kind of compassionate, personalized service we strive to provide every day. Your appreciation means the world to our team, and we’re grateful for the trust you placed in us. Wishing you and your wife continued peace and strength.— The Elder Law of Nashville Team

Roger Jackson

03:09 20 Jun 25

Response from the owner 15:26 20 Jun 25

Rafeeq Ayoub

19:20 23 May 25

We cannot thank Elder Law of Nashville enough for their exceptional support during a challenging time for our family. Kim was instrumental in guiding us through the Medicaid approval process for my father, making a complex system feel manageable with her expertise and compassion. Julie, as a life care coordinator, went above and beyond to secure my father’s transfer to a nursing facility, skillfully managing his complicated case as an ALS patient requiring a ventilator. Her dedication and attention to detail gave us peace of mind. Additionally, Adam’s assistance in setting up a revocable trust was seamless, providing clarity and security for our family’s future. The team’s professionalism, kindness, and expertise made all the difference. Highly recommend Elder Law of Nashville!

Response from the owner 02:29 11 Jun 25

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! It's wonderful to hear that our team was able to assist your family during such a challenging time. We are especially pleased that Kim, Julie, and Adam were able to provide the support and guidance you needed. Your kind words about their dedication and professionalism truly mean a lot to us. We are grateful for your recommendation and are here for you if you need further assistance in the future. Wishing you and your family the very best!

Rafeeq Ayoub

19:20 23 May 25

Response from the owner 02:29 11 Jun 25

Jackie Mckinney

19:43 08 May 25

It has been an amazing journey to be in the presence of such caring and beautiful people. We appreciate Barbara, Julie, Adam, and their team. I will definitely recommend Elderlaw to family members, friends, and colleagues. Dad and I thank you for your patience and support throughout this process.

Blessings,

Response from the owner 16:28 12 May 25

Thank you so much, Jackie, for your heartfelt words. It has truly been an honor to walk alongside you and your dad during this journey. We’re grateful for your trust and are so glad our team—Barbara, Julie, Adam, and everyone involved—could provide the support and care you needed. Your recommendation means the world to us. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can ever be of help in the future.All Our Best,The Elder Law of Nashville Team

Jackie Mckinney

19:43 08 May 25

Response from the owner 16:28 12 May 25

Justin Hammond

20:03 07 May 25

Excellent firm! Barbara and her team care about the seniors of Nashville so much. As a professional serving seniors myself, I appreciate being able to know, trust and refer to Elder Law of Nashville

Response from the owner 16:47 12 May 25

Thank you, Justin! We truly appreciate your kind words and your trust in our team. It means a great deal coming from a fellow professional who is also dedicated to serving seniors. We’re grateful for the partnership and honored to be a trusted resource in the Nashville community. Looking forward to continuing to support one another in this important work.All Our Best,The Elder Law of Nashville Team

Justin Hammond

20:03 07 May 25

Excellent firm! Barbara and her team care about the seniors of Nashville so much. As a professional serving seniors myself, I appreciate being able to know, trust and refer to Elder Law of Nashville

Response from the owner 16:47 12 May 25

Anna Smith-Berk

00:33 06 May 25

I would highly recommend Elder Law of Nashville to anyone looking for related legal services. I have witnessed firsthand the care and dedication that Barbara and her team invest into helping their clients and families. I would trust them and their guidance in assisting with any estate planning or elder law related matter.

Response from the owner 14:56 06 May 25

Thank you so much, Anna, for your heartfelt recommendation. We truly appreciate your kind words and your trust in our team. It’s an honor to support families through important life decisions, and we’re grateful you’ve seen our dedication firsthand. If we can ever assist you or someone you know, we’re always here to help.All Our Best, The Elder Law of Nashville Team

Anna Smith-Berk

00:33 06 May 25

Response from the owner 14:56 06 May 25

Martha Smith

14:40 05 May 25

Elder Law of Nashville turned a very difficult situation for my 100 year old mother into a very positive experience.
They listened to our needs, helped create a plan then checked in with us the next week.

Response from the owner 14:55 06 May 25

Thank you, Martha, for your kind words and thoughtful review. We’re honored to have been able to assist you and your mother during such an important time. At Elder Law of Nashville, we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized support, and it means a great deal to know that our efforts made a positive difference for your family. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can be of further help.All our best,The Elder Law of Nashville Team

Martha Smith

14:40 05 May 25

Response from the owner 14:55 06 May 25

Zachary Munoz

14:33 01 May 25

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Adam Berk throughout our professional careers. Adam is detail-oriented, hardworking, and extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend his services.

Response from the owner 15:05 01 May 25

Thank you, Zachary, for your thoughtful review! We’re so glad to hear about your positive experience with Adam. His attention to detail, strong work ethic, and deep knowledge are qualities we value greatly at Elder Law of Nashville. We appreciate your recommendation and your continued support!All our best,The Elder Law of Nashville Team

Zachary Munoz

14:33 01 May 25

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Adam Berk throughout our professional careers. Adam is detail-oriented, hardworking, and extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend his services.

Response from the owner 15:05 01 May 25

Shannon Farias

21:25 20 Sep 24

Elder Law of Nashville has been an absolute lifesaver for our family. Their team guided us through every step of estate planning and long-term care decisions with expertise and compassion. They made complex topics of life care planning easy to understand and tailored everything to my parents unique situation. We felt confident and supported throughout the entire process. Thanks to them, we now have peace of mind knowing that our loved one's future care and assets are secure. I highly recommend Elder Law of Nashville to anyone seeking professional and caring legal assistance in all of Tennessee!

Shannon Farias

21:25 20 Sep 24

Jerrelyn

21:15 24 Aug 24

My Mother choose Elder Law to set up the Family Trust after following Barbara's informative articles in the paper for several years. Once we meet with Barbara and her team, Mom was very sure that was the route we were taking. Mom was still conducting their affairs and it was established fairly quickly and easily. It was easy to administer and as life comes at you rather fast and hard sometimes, within two years we lost both Dad and Mom. There were some intrapersonal family obstacles that we encountered as we were closing but Barbara and her staff, especially my lawyer Adam, stood by me and guided me every step of the way to a peaceful resolution. I understand why Mom chose Elder Law and I would recommend to anyone looking for a family trust situation.

Response from the owner 21:34 20 Sep 24

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful review. We are truly honored that your mother entrusted us with establishing your family trust after following Barbara’s articles for years. It’s heartening to hear that our process was easy to navigate, even during such challenging times. We are especially grateful for your kind words about Barbara, Adam, and the team—they take great pride in guiding clients every step of the way. We’re glad we could help bring about a peaceful resolution, and we sincerely appreciate your recommendation. Wishing you and your family continued peace and comfort.Sincerely,Elder Law of Nashville Team

Jerrelyn

21:15 24 Aug 24

Response from the owner 21:34 20 Sep 24

Barbara Sanders

13:47 03 Nov 23

Elder Law of Nashville is the number one elder law group in the area to fit so many of our needs. When our parents and loved ones are aging to our own aging, Elder Law of Nashville's staff members are the place to turn, providing expert and compassionate services for anything pertaining to Elder Care. From writing wills to probating wills, from a shoulder to lean on to decreasing anxiety and stress during some of our most tender and vulnerable moments, Barbara Moss and her caring staff are there to help. They assisted me in so many ways when I needed help with my mother's aging needs before, during, and after she passed. I leaned on them for much necessary legal and emotional support and guidance. Their message is, "We'll take care of it so you don't have to!" And, they do, and did. Thank you!

Response from the owner 18:22 03 Nov 23

Barbara,Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review and for choosing us as you number one Elder Law Group in Nashville. We are so grateful to you for allowing us to assist in taking some stress away before, during and after your dear mothers passing. It was a true pleasure to work with you both. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Barbara Sanders

13:47 03 Nov 23

Response from the owner 18:22 03 Nov 23

Jen Purdom

21:41 25 Sep 23

I searched for at least a year until I found Barbara to help with support for my parents. Barbara and her team guided us through the process and pointed us to valuable resources we did not even know about. And they are still doing so! Janel and Chris are also wonderful, kind, and knowledgable. In short, my parents are now set up for the future with the support and peace of mind they (and I) needed. I cannot thank you enough! Reach out to Elder Law of Nashville to see how they can help you. Don't wait to get your family's future in order!

Jen Purdom

21:41 25 Sep 23

Barry Bradley

18:28 21 Sep 23

Elderlaw of Nashville was a Godsend at a critical time. When you lose an entire family within a three-year period, you need to have all legal and financial matters in good order. Barbara Moss and Shannon Lashlee stepped in to assist my aged aunt and uncle provide wills and a living trust when they had nothing. They facilitated their only daughter in both will and estate planning. As the executor of all three, Elderlaw provided invaluable assistance to me. Adam Berk was especially helpful to answer my questions and provide wise counsel through probate process. Elderlaw is experienced, knowledgeable, and caring. I can recommend them without reservation.

Barry Bradley

18:28 21 Sep 23

D Zanitsch

22:53 14 Mar 23

I evaluated a number of law firms in Nashville that listed elder law as one of their professional areas .. "professional area" is not the same as the firm's focus. Elder Law of Nashville demonstrated in the handling of our family needs that this is not just an item on a website drop down menu. The firm is 100% focused in this specialty area and brought to our needs an exceptional depth and breath of professional knowledge, skill, resources, experience, creativity, and most importantly compassion for all members of the family involved in our case. Thank you Barbara and to your team.

D Zanitsch

22:53 14 Mar 23

Anthony Ditcharo

15:56 06 Oct 22

I have used the services of Elder Law for some important family issues, and found them to be very thorough and very easy to work with. I will certainly reach out to them for future legal needs!

Anthony Ditcharo

15:56 06 Oct 22

I have used the services of Elder Law for some important family issues, and found them to be very thorough and very easy to work with. I will certainly reach out to them for future legal needs!

Paulette Stroupe

15:48 05 Nov 21

I am so grateful that Elder Law of Nashville was recommended to me . Barbara, Shannon, and Randall are an amazing team and have been great to work with. I would never have been able to navigate the very complicated Medicaid / TennCare system on my own. They have been professional, compassionate and truly caring in helping to get my husband into a long term care facility. I am so grateful for all their work. I would very definitely recommend them for your elder law needs.

Paulette Stroupe

15:48 05 Nov 21

Richard Gotwald

10:45 01 Nov 21

The whole team at Elder Law at Nashville are experts at what they do. They helped me pull together all the documentation to apply for Medicare, including managing through estate spend-down requirements and the healthcare assessment, to full success for my aging mother. They are courteous and highly responsive. I recommend them to anyone in need of their services.

Richard Gotwald

10:45 01 Nov 21

Cynthia George

15:19 25 Jan 21

Estate planning can be quite difficult and I truly appreciate Barbara Moss and the Elder Law team for everything she did to help my mother and father ensure their wishes were enacted after their passing. She was very caring and helpful and always answered our questions. The documents she prepared for my mother and father could not have captured their relationship and their wishes better. If you truly want professional advice tailored for your family's needs, this is a great place to go. Thank you Elder Law of Nashville for serving my parents and our family!

Cynthia George

15:19 25 Jan 21

Proudly Serving Families Across Middle Tennessee

Elder Law of Nashville, located in Nashville, TN, proudly serves clients throughout Davidson County, Williamson County, and the surrounding areas. We provide expert elder law services to families in Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville, Fairview, Spring Hill, White House, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Mount Juliet, Lebanon, Watertown, Ashland City, Kingston Springs, Pegram, Pleasant View, Columbia, Mt. Pleasant, Dickson, Burns, White Bluff, Springfield, Greenbrier, Belle Meade, and Cross Plains. Our commitment extends across Middle Tennessee, ensuring compassionate and knowledgeable support for seniors and their families.

Schedule Your Consultation