Chattanooga Advance Care Planning & Estates Attorneys
Advance care planning and estate law require more than legal knowledge. They require care, foresight, and a deep understanding of the individual needs of every client.
At Berke, Berke & Berke, we help Chattanooga residents navigate some of life's most personal decisions. Our attorneys deliver detailed legal support with the compassion and respect these decisions deserve. Whether you are planning for your future or helping a loved one through theirs, we are here to offer steady, thoughtful legal guidance.
Need help with wills, probate, or advance directives? Contact us online or through (423) 266-5171 to schedule your consultation.
Dedicated Legal Support for All Your Advance Care & Estate Planning Needs
At Berke, Berke & Berke, we address more than document drafting. Our goal is to guide Chattanooga families through these legal uncertainties with compassionate, actionable support.
We can help you:
- Make legally enforceable decisions about your care & property. Avoid ambiguity by ensuring all planning documents meet Tennessee legal standards and are regularly reviewed for accuracy.
- Navigate the Hamilton County probate process efficiently. Whether you are an executor, administrator, or beneficiary, we guide you through court proceedings, asset transfers, and legal obligations.
- Prevent future family disputes. Reduce conflict among relatives with clearly written, legally sound documents that express your true intentions.
- Support loved ones during vulnerable times. Help family members manage responsibilities with clarity and confidence, backed by legally binding powers of attorney and advance directives.
- Tailor planning strategies to changing life circumstances. From marriage to children to retirement, we help you revise your estate plan to reflect what matters most.
Legal Support for Estate Planning: Securing Your Legacy with Precision
Estate planning protects your family’s future, reduces the burden on loved ones, and preserves your values through legally sound documents. At Berke, Berke & Berke, we tailor every estate plan to the needs and intentions of each client, taking care to meet the legal requirements of Tennessee law while honoring personal and family priorities.
Our attorneys can assist with:
- Drafting Last Will and Testaments. Create legally valid wills that reflect your wishes and distribute your assets clearly and efficiently.
- Powers of Attorney: Appoint trusted individuals to manage financial and legal matters on your behalf in the event of incapacity.
- Probating Wills. Guide families through Tennessee probate procedures, including filing the will, notifying heirs, and working with the Hamilton County courts.
- Administering Wills. Provide legal support to executors as they carry out the decedent’s instructions, settle debts, and distribute assets.
Legal Counsel for Advance Directives: Helping Ensure Your Healthcare Wishes Are Honored
Advance care planning includes legal tools that preserve your dignity and autonomy if you become unable to make your own healthcare decisions. At Berke, Berke & Berke, we draft documents carefully and in accordance with Tennessee regulations so your intentions remain clear to both your loved ones and your medical providers.
Our legal services for advance directives include:
- Drafting Advance Directives for Healthcare (Living Wills). Outline your preferences for end-of-life care, including life-sustaining treatments and organ donation.
- Durable Powers of Attorney for Healthcare. Appoint a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated.
- Probating & Administering Wills. Guide families through the Hamilton County probate court system, including filing, notice requirements, and executor support.
Take the first step in protecting your legacy. Schedule a consultation with our Chattanooga estate lawyers by calling (423) 266-5171 or contacting us online.
Why Choose Berke, Berke & Berke to Help You Protect Your Legacy
When selecting an estate planning or advance directive attorney in Chattanooga, it is important to work with professionals who understand the legal and emotional dimensions of these decisions. At Berke, Berke & Berke, we pride ourselves on a compassionate, thorough, and local approach. Our firm is built on the following key principles:
- Tailored Planning That Reflects Your Values. We never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every plan we craft begins with a conversation about your wishes, values, and goals. We ask the right questions to help you consider decisions that might otherwise be overlooked.
- Deep Familiarity with Chattanooga Courts & Procedures. Our attorneys understand the specific processes and nuances of probate and estate law as applied in Hamilton County and surrounding areas. We frequently appear in local probate court and maintain current knowledge of Tennessee statutes and county-specific procedures.
- Responsive, Respectful Communication. We recognize that these are deeply personal and emotional decisions. Our attorneys and staff are known for providing clear updates, empathetic listening, and timely communication throughout the planning process.
- Long-Term Relationship Building. Estate planning clients return to us years later for modifications, additional documents, or legal guidance after a loved one’s passing. We are committed to being here for our clients at every stage of life.
A Commitment to Excellence: National Recognition & Acclaims
While our practice in Chattanooga is rooted in local care and service, our attorneys have also received national recognition for the quality of their work. Many of these accolades stem from our broader legal practice, but they underscore the professional excellence and diligence we bring to every estate and advance care planning case.
Our awards include:
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum: Recognized for achieving significant outcomes, demonstrating a history of diligent representation.
- Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb - Top Attorney: Acknowledges consistently high ratings from clients and peer attorneys.
- The National Top 100 Trial Lawyers: Indicates our ability to litigate complex matters, which is especially valuable in contested wills.
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent (2019): Peer-rated for the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards.
- Named in Super Lawyers®: A listing that includes only the top 5% of attorneys in the Mid-South, demonstrating broad peer recognition and client satisfaction.
Each of these awards reflects our team's dedication to providing high-quality legal services, including in areas as personal and sensitive as advance care and estate planning.
Real Experiences from Families We’ve Helped
Our clients often come to us during some of the most difficult or uncertain periods of their lives. Whether they are navigating the sudden illness of a loved one, managing probate after a loss, or preparing their own advance directive, these individuals trust us to handle their concerns with clarity and compassion.
We’re proud to share the words of those we’ve helped. Many of our clients have offered kind testimonials about the care and professionalism they experienced at Berke, Berke & Berke. You can read their full testimonials here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my free initial consultation with an estate planning attorney?
Bring any current wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives you have in place. Also consider preparing a list of assets, beneficiaries, and your goals. We offer a structured intake process to make this step as smooth as possible.
How often should I update my estate plan?
We recommend reviewing your plan every 3 to 5 years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a named beneficiary. Our team can help keep your documents up to date.
What makes your firm different from other Chattanooga estate planning attorneys?
We focus on personalized legal strategies, consistent communication, and long-term relationships. We are deeply familiar with Chattanooga’s legal landscape and take pride in serving clients with professionalism and care.
Can you help update documents created by another attorney?
Absolutely. We can review and revise existing estate plans to align with Tennessee law and current client wishes. Even if your plan was drafted elsewhere, we can assess and improve its legal enforceability.
For estate planning and advance directive services grounded in compassion and experience, contact Berke, Berke & Berke today.