Estate Planning Attorney in Memphis, Tennessee

Thinking about the future—especially topics like wills, trusts, or what will happen to loved ones after you’re gone—can be deeply emotional. Estate planning isn’t just about assets or legal documents; it’s about peace of mind, family, and legacy. 

Whether you’re planning for your own future or helping a loved one through theirs, the process can bring up difficult emotions. It takes courage to confront these decisions, but doing so now can protect your family from stress and uncertainty later on.

Located in Cordova, Tennessee, the Law & Mediation Office of Sarah Turner works with clients across Memphis, Arlington, Lakeland, Germantown, Collierville, Atoka, Munford, Brighton, Somerville, Oakland, Shelby County, Tipton County, Fayette County, and throughout West Tennessee.

For nearly a decade, she’s been crafting creative, personalized solutions for families of all shapes and sizes. Her firm's priority is to make every client feel heard and supported while finding practical paths forward. Learn how a qualified Memphis, TN estate planning attorney can help you protect what matters most to you when you schedule a consultation with Sarah Turner today.

Why Estate Planning Matters for Every Family

Estate planning isn’t only for the wealthy or the elderly. It’s for anyone who wants to take control of their future, protect loved ones, and make sure their wishes are respected. By making these decisions now, families can avoid confusion, disputes, and unnecessary financial strain later.

A well-crafted estate plan provides clarity and direction when it’s needed most. It helps loved ones handle responsibilities with confidence, rather than stress or uncertainty. For parents, it means protecting children’s futures. For aging adults, it means maintaining dignity and control over medical and financial choices.

Key benefits of estate planning include:

• Protecting your loved ones: Safeguard assets and provide clear instructions for how they should be distributed.

• Reducing family conflict: Prevent disagreements over inheritances or responsibilities.

• Managing healthcare decisions: Clearly define your wishes for medical treatment if you can’t express them later.

• Minimizing court involvement: Save time and money by reducing the need for probate proceedings.

• Creating financial stability: Plan for taxes, debts, and long-term care needs effectively.

Every family’s situation is different, and Sarah Turner understands that estate planning must reflect each person’s values and priorities. Her approach is personal, thoughtful, and always centered around helping clients find peace of mind.

Crafting Personalized Estate Plans That Reflect Your Wishes

Estate planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Every family has unique goals, relationships, and financial circumstances. That’s why Sarah Turner takes the time to listen carefully before drafting any documents. She helps clients think through important details they might not have considered, offering clear guidance at every step.

Essential estate planning documents may include:

• Last will and testament: Outlines how your assets will be distributed and who will care for minor children.

• Trusts: Establishes legal arrangements to protect assets, provide for loved ones, and avoid probate.

• Powers of attorney: Appoints someone you trust to handle financial or legal matters if you’re unable to.

• Advance healthcare directives: Clearly state your wishes for medical treatment and appoint a healthcare proxy.

• Guardianship designations: Names trusted individuals to care for your dependents if you’re no longer able to.

Each of these tools plays a role in building a plan that supports your family’s stability and honors your intentions. Sarah works with clients to choose the right combination for their needs, providing clarity throughout the process.

Helping Families Through the Probate Process

When someone passes away, their estate must often go through probate—a court-supervised process for validating a will and distributing assets. Probate can be time-consuming, but with proper guidance, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Sarah Turner assists families in Memphis and across West Tennessee as they move through probate proceedings. Her calm, patient approach helps clients feel supported and informed, even during emotionally challenging times.

Services offered during probate may include:

• Filing necessary documents: Preparing and submitting paperwork to the court on time.

• Notifying beneficiaries and creditors: Making sure everyone with a legal interest is properly informed.

• Inventorying assets: Identifying and valuing property within the estate.

• Distributing assets: Ensuring the deceased’s wishes are carried out according to the will or state law.

• Resolving disputes: Addressing conflicts between heirs or beneficiaries with compassion and fairness.

The probate process can bring both emotional and financial stress. Having a knowledgeable attorney guide each step can make a significant difference. Sarah’s attention to detail and steady presence help families move forward with confidence and peace.

At the Law & Mediation Office of Sarah Turner, probate isn’t treated as a series of legal tasks—it’s handled with respect for the person who’s passed and care for those left behind.

Using Mediation to Solve Estate Disputes Peacefully

Disagreements about estates can strain relationships between family members. In many cases, these conflicts arise not from greed but from grief and miscommunication. Mediation offers an opportunity to resolve such disputes privately and respectfully—without the stress of courtroom litigation.

As a trained mediator, Sarah Turner provides families with a safe and structured environment to discuss their concerns and reach mutual agreements. Her approach emphasizes listening, empathy, and fairness, helping everyone involved feel heard.

Benefits of mediation in estate matters include:

• Preserving family relationships: Encourages cooperation instead of confrontation.

• Saving time and money: Avoids the cost and delay of going to court.

• Maintaining privacy: Keeps sensitive family matters confidential.

• Creating flexible outcomes: Allows for personalized agreements that a judge might not be able to impose.

• Reducing emotional strain: Offers a calm and respectful setting for difficult conversations.

Sarah understands that families are more than legal entities—they’re built on emotion, memory, and shared experiences. Through mediation, she helps families find closure and resolution without deepening divides.

Protecting Minor Children and Dependents

For parents, estate planning carries an even greater sense of urgency. Deciding who will care for your children and how their inheritance will be managed is one of the most important choices you’ll ever make.

An experienced attorney can make plans that prioritize their children’s safety, stability, and future success. She understands the emotional weight of these decisions and provides a supportive space for families to make them thoughtfully.

Important considerations when planning for minor children include:

• Naming guardians: Choose individuals who share your values and parenting philosophy.

• Setting up trusts for minors: Manage inheritance responsibly until children reach adulthood.

• Providing clear financial instructions: Specify how funds should be used for education, housing, and health needs.

• Appointing alternate guardians: Plan for contingencies in case your first choice can’t serve.

• Writing detailed care instructions: Include information about routines, schools, and emotional support.

Taking time to make these arrangements now gives parents the peace of mind that their children will be cared for no matter what happens. Sarah’s thoughtful guidance helps families create plans that protect what matters most—the people they love.