Business Details
17 Years
experience
Estate Planning Services in Memphis
Parham Estate Law was founded on the principle that every client deserves personalized attention and a tailored estate plan. With over three decades of experience, our Memphis-based practice specializes in creating customized solutions for individuals, families, and businesses. Our approach prioritizes understanding each client's unique circumstances to develop comprehensive strategies that protect assets, minimize tax liabilities, and ensure legacy preservation. As a solo practitioner, I focus on maximizing service quality rather than client volume, combining technical expertise with compassionate guidance.My credentials include a Master of Laws in estate planning, Tennessee estate planning specialist certification, and fellowship in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. We serve clients throughout Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas with offices in Memphis and Henderson, offering both in-person and virtual consultations.
Services
Estate Planning
Trusts
Wills
Probate
Asset Protection
Powers of Attorney
Business Succession
Guardianships
Tax Planning
Special Needs Trusts
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of specialized estate planning experience
- AV Preeminent-rated attorney for legal excellence
- Personalized approach with no cookie-cutter plans
- Comprehensive services covering all estate planning needs
- Active community involvement and local expertise
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
What people say
Great experience
Guiding us through
Wonderful person
Knows his business
Complete confidence
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create comprehensive strategies to protect assets and ensure your wishes are followed. We develop customized plans considering family dynamics, tax implications, and long-term goals. With expertise in Tennessee law, we help clients establish wills, trusts, and advanced directives that provide clarity and security for future generations.
Trusts
We specialize in creating revocable and irrevocable trusts to manage asset distribution and minimize probate. Our trust services include living trusts for privacy, special needs trusts for disabled beneficiaries, and tax-efficient structures. Each trust is tailored to protect wealth while maintaining compliance with evolving state and federal regulations.
Wills
Our will drafting services ensure your property distribution wishes are legally enforceable. We help clients establish guardianship provisions, name executors, and create contingency plans. We also assist with updating existing wills to reflect life changes, ensuring documents remain valid and comprehensive.
Probate
We guide executors through Tennessee's probate process, handling asset inventory, debt settlement, and distribution. Our services help streamline court requirements while protecting beneficiaries' interests. We also assist with contested probate matters and trust administration challenges.
Asset Protection
Our asset protection strategies safeguard wealth from creditors using legal tools like Tennessee Investment Services Trusts (TISTs). We help business owners separate personal and business assets while creating structures that preserve wealth across generations through irrevocable trusts and other protective mechanisms.
People
Michael R. Parham
Principal Attorney
With 30+ years of experience, Mike Parham holds an LLM in estate planning and Tennessee specialist certification. A Martindale AV-rated attorney and Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, he combines technical expertise with personalized service. He actively contributes to legal education as a guest lecturer at Cannon Financial Institute's Trust School.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Every adult should have a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. Depending on your assets and family situation, trusts may be recommended to avoid probate, protect assets, or provide for special needs beneficiaries.
How does Tennessee law affect my estate plan?
Tennessee has specific requirements for will validity and trust creation. Our attorney understands state-specific nuances like the Tennessee Investment Services Trust and how to structure plans that comply with local probate court procedures.
Can I update my existing estate plan?
Yes, we recommend reviewing plans every 3-5 years or after major life events. We can amend documents, create codicils, or draft entirely new plans to reflect changed circumstances or legal updates.
What happens if I die without a will in Tennessee?
Your assets will be distributed according to state intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes. Having a valid will ensures your property goes to chosen beneficiaries under your specified terms.
How can trusts help protect my assets?
Properly structured trusts can protect assets from creditors, reduce estate taxes, and ensure controlled distribution to beneficiaries. We help create revocable living trusts for probate avoidance and irrevocable trusts for asset protection.
What's the difference between a will and a trust?
Wills require probate court validation while trusts allow private, immediate asset transfer. Trusts offer more control over distribution timing and conditions, making them ideal for complex estates or privacy concerns.
