Frequently Asked Questions

Title insurance protects property owners and lenders against covered issues with ownership rights. These can include ownership disputes, undisclosed liens, and certain defects in the title record that were not identified before closing. Instead of covering future events, it protects against past issues tied to the property. This protection helps provide confidence that your ownership interest is secure.

If you are financing your purchase, your lender will generally require a lender's title insurance policy. An owner's policy is usually optional, but it is strongly recommended to protect your own equity and ownership rights. Without an owner's policy, you may have to pay legal costs yourself to defend a covered title claim. Many buyers view it as a one-time cost for long-term peace of mind.

In Tennessee, title insurance premiums are generally based on the purchase price or loan amount. The premium is typically paid as a one-time charge at closing rather than a monthly expense. Exact pricing can vary depending on the transaction details and policy type. We can provide a clear estimate early in the process so there are no surprises at closing.

A closing attorney reviews legal documents, confirms title and closing requirements, and helps ensure the transaction is handled correctly. Your attorney can explain legal terms in plain language and answer questions specific to your situation. Unlike a non-lawyer settlement service, an attorney can provide legal advice when issues arise. That guidance helps protect your interests before you sign.

At Vanderpool Law, you are represented by an attorney throughout the transaction, not just processed through a closing office. Title companies can coordinate paperwork and issue policies, but they generally cannot provide legal advice to you. We can identify legal risks, answer legal questions, and advise you on contract and closing issues. In many cases, our closing costs are competitive with standard title company pricing.

Choosing an attorney gives you access to legal advice before and at closing. That includes contract review, issue spotting, and guidance if unexpected title or deal concerns appear. A title company cannot act as your legal advisor in the same way. For many Tennessee transactions, attorney-led closings are available at comparable overall cost.

It depends on your goals, family structure, and the type of assets you own. A trust can help avoid probate for assets properly transferred into the trust, while a will directs how probate assets are handled. Many Tennessee plans use one or both documents as part of a coordinated strategy. We help you choose the structure that best fits your needs.

A will generally takes effect at death and assets passing under it usually go through probate court. A trust can be effective during your lifetime and can continue managing assets after death under its terms. Assets titled in a funded trust typically avoid probate. Both tools can be important, but they serve different legal and practical functions.

If you die without a will, Tennessee intestacy laws determine who inherits your probate estate. The distribution may not match your personal wishes, especially in blended family or complex situations. The court will appoint an administrator to handle the estate process. Creating an estate plan allows you to choose decision-makers and control how assets are distributed.

Our office is located at 256 Seaboard Lane G-104, Franklin, TN 37067. We serve clients throughout Franklin, Nashville, and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities. If you need directions or scheduling help, our team can assist before your visit.

Fees vary depending on the service and complexity of your matter. For many real estate closings, our costs are competitive with what clients would pay through a title company. Estate planning fees depend on the type of documents and planning objectives involved. Contact us for a clear quote based on your needs.

You can schedule by visiting our contact page at /contact and sending a message through the form. You may also call our office to discuss your matter and appointment options. We will help you identify the right next step for your closing or estate planning needs.