Question from Caring.com community member
What is the priority for paying debts for an estate in Tennessee?
Expert Answer by Steve Weisman
Steve Weisman hosts the nationally syndicated radio show A Touch of Grey, heard on more than 50 stations, including WABC in New York City and KRLA in Los Angeles. He is a practicing lawyer specializing in estate planning and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
The rules for the priority of payment of the debts of a decedent vary somewhat from state to state. However, generally, the order is as follows: First, the expenses of the administration of his estate; second, funeral and medical expenses from his last illness; third, an allowance for the decedent's family's immediate needs; fourth, government claims, such as for taxes; fifth, secured debts, such as a mortgage; sixth, the amount of any unpaid court judgments against the decedent; and finally, the rest of any debts of the decedent.
