Answers to legal questions

posed by the general public to Memphis Attorney Christina Burdette


Q: "In the state of NC my sister wont sign...

papers to allow me to be executor... what do i do i have a lawyer but what happens NOW. i was the sole beneficiary to his life insurance,can this help court wise "


A: Did your father have a last will...

and testament? If he did, and if he named you to serve as executrix, then your sister doesn't have to sign anything to allow you to be executrix. You would take the document to the court in the county where your father lived at the time of his death, present it to the judge, and the judge would appoint you as executrix. If your father died without a last will and testament, also known as dying "intestate," assuming that there is no surviving spouse, you and your siblings stand on equal footing insofar as who has a superior right to serve as admininstratrix of your father's estate. If notice of hearing is given to all siblings and other interested parties, they each will have a chance to step forward and contest your appointment. Ultimately, the judge will decide. Whether you are sole beneficiary to his life insurance proceeds has no bearing on outcome in the probate/chancery court. Life Insurance is a non-probate asset and is dealt with outside of the probate arena.


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Child Custody and Parental Rights Cases

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In Re: Donna E.W. et al Parental Rights

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In Re: Jayden G. Parental Rights and Custody

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Samuel P. et al Parental Right

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Child Support Cases

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Conservatorship & Guardianship

In Re: Maurice M. Acree, Jr. Conservatorship

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Divorce & Alimony

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Fogle v. Fogle Alimony - Spousal Support

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Miller v. McFarland Alimony

Myrick v. Myrick Alimony

Taylor Moore v. Taylor Divorce Property Division

Wilhoit v. Wilhoit Alimony



More information on divorce, custody, support, and asset division.

Alimony Basics
Grounds for Divorce
Divorce Financials
Funding Family Law Actions.
Planning for Divorce.
After Divorce Name Change.
Divorce Protective Order.
Annulment instead of Divorce.
Divorce Parenting Plan.
Child abuse claims during Divorce.
Post Divorce Parenting Plan Change.
Social Media & Divorce.
Paternity claims.
Divorce Flow Chart
15 Divorce tips
Tennessee DIY Divorce Information
Tennessee Divorce Mediation Process
Tennessee Child Custody Law
Tennessee Child Support Law
Tennessee Child Adoption Law

Hire an Experienced Lawyer

At The Burdette Law Firm we are competent, and caring lawyers and parents ourselves. When dealing with family law matters, and will provide excellent legal advice. We give our clients a great deal of information on family so they can have the proper understanding to make important legal decisions. Family law is an emotional process, and we always strive to ease the stress during this difficult situation.

Contact our lawyers for more information

After reviewing the above if you have questions and need our assistance in a family law matter, please call us at (901) 756-7878 or use the contact form to the right.



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Christina Burdette