Tennessee § 30-2-408 - Claims against alienated property.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 30-2-408 — Claims against alienated property., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 30-2-408. Claims against alienated property.

If an heir or devisee aliens the land before an action is brought or process sued out, the heir or devisee shall be answerable to any creditor of the decedent for the ancestor's debts to the value of the lands aliened. Within six (6) months from the death of any person, a mortgagee or purchaser for value from the heir or devisee of the decedent shall take subject to the right of any creditor of decedent whose debt is otherwise unsatisfied to subject the realty to the payment of the decedent's debts, as in this title provided. If administration has been granted on the estate of the decedent during the period of six (6) months, the rights of creditors whose claims are ultimately established in the administration as valid obligations of the estate shall constitute liens on the realty of the decedent, which realty may be subjected to these liens in the hands of the heir or the heir's alienees as in this title provided. After six (6) months have elapsed from the death of any person, and no personal representative has qualified to administer on the decedent's estate, a mortgagee or purchaser for value from the heir of the decedent shall take title free from the right of any nonlien creditor to subject the same to the payment of the decedent's debt, unless the mortgagee or purchaser takes with actual knowledge of the debt. After six (6) months have elapsed from the death of any person, a mortgagee or purchaser for value from the heir of the decedent shall take free from the title, right, or claims of all persons claiming under any unprobated will of the decedent, unless the mortgagee or purchaser for value has actual knowledge of the existence of the unprobated will. Code 1858, § 2256 (deriv. Acts 1789, ch. 39, § 3); Shan., § 3989; Code 1932, § 8201; Acts 1957, ch. 118, § 1; 1974, ch. 530, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 30-610. Textbooks. Pritchard on Wills and Administration of Estates (4th ed., Phillips and Robinson), §§ 765, 779, 854, 866, 891. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 12 Tenn. Juris., Executors and Administrators, §§ 53, 78; 20 Tenn. Juris., Partition, § 22; 25 Tenn. Juris., Wills, § 176. Law Reviews. Constitutional Law — 1961 Tennessee Survey (James C. Kirby, Jr.), 14 Vand. L. Rev. 1171 (1961). Decedents' Estates, Trusts and Future Interests — 1961 Tennessee Survey (II) (Herman L. Trautman), 15 Vand. L. Rev. 882 (1962). Legislature Amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 30-610 — One Year Waiting Period Shortened to Six Months, 5 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 109 (1975). Real Property — 1957 Tennessee Survey (Thomas G. Roady, Jr.), 10 Vand. L. Rev. 1188 (1957). Wills, Trusts and Estates — 1957 Tennessee Survey (Herman L. Trautman), 10 Vand. L. Rev. 1238 (1957).

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 30-2-408

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 30-2-408 cover?

Section 30-2-408 ("Claims against alienated property.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 30-2-408?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 30-2-408" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 30-2-408 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.