Tennessee § 32-3-101 - Operation of will.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 32-3-101 — Operation of will., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-3-101. Operation of will.
A will shall be construed, in reference to the real and personal estate comprised in it, to speak and take effect as if it had been executed immediately before the death of the testator, and shall convey all the real estate belonging to the testator, or in which the testator had any interest at the testator's decease, unless a contrary intention appear by its words in context. Code 1858, § 2195 (deriv. Acts 1851-1852, ch. 180, § 2); Shan., § 3927; Code 1932, § 8133; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 32-301. Cross-References. Fraudulent devises, title 66, ch. 3, part 2. Jurisdiction of chancery courts of probate and related matters, title 16, ch. 16, part 2. Living wills, title 32, ch. 11. Textbooks. Pritchard on Wills and Administration of Estates (4th ed., Phillips and Robinson), §§ 14, 28, 30, 151, 169, 198, 303, 403, 427. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 11 Tenn. Juris., Evidence, § 45; 25 Tenn. Juris., Wills, §§ 88, 109, 119, 126, 131, 147. Law Reviews. Bringing Tennessee into the Twentieth Century Re Possibilities of Reverter, Powers of Termination and Executory Interests When Used as Land Control Devices (Nicholas L. White), 15 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 555 (1985). Property Law — Wills — Effect of Lapsed Residuary Gifts in the State of Tennessee, 73 Tenn L. Rev. 711 (2006). Survey of Tennessee Property Law, II. Estates in General (Toxey H. Sewell), 46 Tenn. L. Rev. 161 (1979). Wills — Construction of “Issue” and the Adopted Child, 40 Tenn. L. Rev. 134 (1973).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 32-3-101
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 32-3-101 cover?
Section 32-3-101 ("Operation of will.") 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 § 32-3-101?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 32-3-101" (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 § 32-3-101 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.