In a significant development for residents of Tennessee, the state legislature has passed several new laws that will impact wills and probate proceedings. The changes, which were approved on February 20, 2026, mark a significant shift in how estates are handled in the state.One of the key changes is the implementation of electronic wills, which will now be recognized as valid in Tennessee. This means that individuals can now create and store their wills electronically, without the need for a physical copy. This move is aimed at making the process of creating a will more convenient and accessible for residents.Another important change is the introduction of a streamlined probate process for small estates. Under the new law, estates valued at less than $50,000 will be eligible for simplified probate proceedings, which will help expedite the distribution of assets to beneficiaries. This change is expected to reduce costs and administrative burden for families dealing with smaller estates.In addition, the legislature has also passed a law that allows for the appointment of a digital executor to handle a deceased individual's digital assets, such as social media accounts and online accounts. This provision recognizes the growing importance of digital assets in estate planning and aims to ensure that these assets are properly managed and distributed according to the deceased's wishes.Overall, these new laws represent a significant modernization of Tennessee's laws governing wills and probate proceedings. They are designed to make the estate planning process more efficient and accessible, while also addressing the unique challenges posed by digital assets in the modern age.Residents of Tennessee are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes and consult with a qualified estate planning attorney to ensure that their wishes are properly documented and their assets are distributed according to their wishes.