When any person dies intestate in this state, administration shall be granted to the spouse of that person, if the spouse makes application for administration. For want of application for administration upon the part of the spouse, the administration shall be granted to the next of kin, if such next of kin apply for it. If neither the spouse nor next of kin make application for administration, then administration shall be granted to a creditor proving the decedent's debt on oath before the probate court; provided, that when there is more than one next of kin, the probate court may decide which of the kin shall be entitled to the administration.
Structure 2021 Tennessee Code
Title 30 - Administration of Estates
Chapter 1 - Executors and Administrators
§ 30-1-101. Letters Testamentary or of Administration Required
§ 30-1-102. Jurisdiction to Grant Letters
§ 30-1-103. Nonresident Decedents — Granting Letters Testamentary or of Administration
§ 30-1-105. Recording of Letters — Validity of Certified Copy
§ 30-1-106. Preference in Granting of Letters
§ 30-1-107. Appeal From Grant of Letters
§ 30-1-108. Administrator Pendente Lite
§ 30-1-110. Time Within Which Administration May Be Granted
§ 30-1-111. Oath of Representative
§ 30-1-112. Resignation of Representative
§ 30-1-113. Estate Turned Over to New Administrator — Inventory
§ 30-1-114. Transfer of Administration to New County
§ 30-1-115. Administrator With Will Annexed — Powers and Authority
§ 30-1-116. Appointment of Nonresident Personal Representative