Check with your family and friends for the name of a lawyer with whom they are familiar. If this is not possible, check for a local Lawyer Referral Service, like the one in Knoxville at 522-7501. This should be a person over 18 years old whom you trust to handle your affairs as you would. The general rule is that this person must be a resident of Tennessee, or a resident must be named as co- executor. There are exceptions where the executor is a specified relative and only specified relatives are beneficiaries.
Banks also can function as executors.
If you do not have a will, your property will pass to those persons who are considered your ''heirs'' under the laws of Tennessee. The Probate Court will appoint an administrator to distribute your property. Your surviving spouse has priority as administrator. It is quite likely that a bond will be required of the administrator. Your estate must pay the bond cost.