Probate & Estate Planning, West Tennessee

Practice Areas

Conservatorship

A conservator is court-appointed to make decisions regarding the personal and financial affairs of an individual with a disability who because of their disability, is not capable to making decisions on their own.

Conservators may be appointed for the “person” and/or the “estate.” Conservators of the person are responsible to handling the personal and medical matters involving the person with a disability. A conservator of the estate handles and manages the financial matters

Guardianship

A Guardian is court-appointed to manage funds inherited or received by a minor child.

Minors are not allowed to inherit property in their own name in Tennessee, therefore a guardian of the estate is appointed by the Court to manage the assets of the Minor until the Minor reaches adulthood. Guardians may also be appointed if a Minor receives funds due to a settlement or lawsuit.  Guardian of the Person may be necessary if neither of the Minor's parents are still living.

Estate Administration

  • Probate of Will

  • Intestate Administration

  • Determination of Heirs

  • Will Contests (undue influence, fraud, duress, lack of mental capacity)

  • Spousal and Minor Rights

When a loved one passes, their assets may need to be administered with court authority.

The grieving process is hard enough without the added stress of handling the estate administration of your loved one. Let our experienced team at Woods Law Firm provide you with guidance and support during this difficult time. We will relieve the burden by walking you through the often-complicated court process, ensuring that every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.

Estate Planning

  • Simple Wills

  • Wills with Testamentary Trust Provisions

  • Revocable Living Trusts

  • Supplemental/Special Needs Trusts

  • Powers of Attorney

It is important to plan for your future and for your loved ones after your passing.

At Woods Law Firm, we understand how important it is to plan for the future. That's why we offer our Estate Planning service to help you protect and provide for your loved ones, even in the event of incapacity. Our experienced team will work with you to create a comprehensive plan that may include a will or trust, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Business Law

  • Business Formation & Structuring
  • Contract Drafting & Review
  • Research & Compliance
  • IP Licensing
  • Negotiations

Woods Law Firm is dedicated to providing Tennessee business owners with the sophisticated legal counsel they need, combined with the personalized attention they deserve.

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Probate & Estate Planning Legal Team

Meet the team

  

Danielle M. Woods

Owner, Attorney
Danielle M. Woods is dedicated to guiding clients through some of life’s most challenging transitions. Her practice focuses on estate administration, conservatorships, and estate planning, helping families navigate complex legal processes with clarity and confidence. Danielle’s mission is simple: to relieve the burden from her clients by providing compassionate support and practical solutions every step of the way. In addition to her legal work, Danielle is deeply involved in her community. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Legal Center, is the current President of the Memphis Bar Association’s Probate & Estate Planning Section, and represents West Tennessee as Governor for the Probate & Estate Planning Section of the Tennessee Bar Association. •Danielle is a certified Pilates instructor, a proud mom of two, and a devoted wife. Whether she’s leading a class, spending time with her family, or volunteering in the community, Danielle brings the same energy and dedication that define her legal practice.

Shantazia J. Nash

Associate Attorney
Shantazia J. Nash is passionate about guiding families through life’s most important decisions. From crafting personalized estate plans to managing guardianship funds and navigating conservatorship or probate processes, she strives to make challenging times easier by combining compassion with practical solutions. Beyond family-focused work, Shantazia partners with entrepreneurs and creatives to protect their ideas and businesses—drafting contracts, forming entities, and safeguarding operations so they can thrive. She is an active member of the Memphis Bar Association and Tennessee Bar Association, and previously contributed to the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division, including its First Generation Initiative. Her commitment to service includes volunteering with Nashville’s Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts and participating in estate planning clinics across Greater Memphis. Shantazia has also shared her expertise as a speaker for groups such as the University of Memphis Music Business class, the Memphis Probate and Estate Planning Section, and the ABA Young Lawyers Division. When she’s not practicing law, you’ll find Shantazia chasing her toddler, singing Disney tunes, leading a mom’s group at Hope Church Memphis, or discovering new local restaurants.

Cristina Arce de Bagaglio

Associate Attorney
Cristina Arce de Bagaglio is passionate about helping families navigate life’s most challenging transitions. Cristina's practice focuses on probate matters, including conservatorships, estate administration, and guardianships. Cristina’s goal is simple: to provide clarity and compassionate guidance so clients feel supported every step of the way. Cristina brings a wealth of experience to her role. She earned her law degree from Ave Maria School of Law, where she served as a translator and student-lawyer in Michigan’s only pro bono Women and Children’s Immigrant Rights Clinic. Cristina also serves Pro Se Parents’ Clinic at the Community Legal Center and has worked extensively in family and employment-based immigration, labor, and employment law. Deeply committed to community service, Cristina has served on the Board of Directors for the Community Legal Center and Latino Memphis, volunteered with the Junior League of Memphis, and shared her love of music as a member of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Rhodes College Master Singers choirs. When she’s not practicing law, you’ll find her walking while listening to history podcasts or exploring Memphis’ vibrant food scene—always on the hunt for both new and nostalgic restaurants.

Christin Railey

Legal Assistant

Kevin Woods

Professional Partner; Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist
Kevin Woods is committed to guiding clients through the unique challenges of probate real estate. Known as “Your Memphis Probate Realtor,” Kevin specializes in helping families and individuals navigate property sales during the probate process with clarity and confidence. His mission is simple: to provide expert guidance and practical solutions that make a complex process as smooth as possible. As an affiliate broker with Crye-Leike, Realtors, Kevin offers a full range of services tailored to probate real estate, including property valuation, marketing, and sales. Backed by an extensive network of professionals and deep familiarity with probate procedures, Kevin ensures clients receive comprehensive support every step of the way. Whether working with families or collaborating with legal professionals, Kevin brings the same dedication and integrity that define his practice. Direct Dial: 615-522-2875 Email: kevin.woods@crye-leike.com

Alexis Tarver

Law Clerk
Alexis is a third-year law student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, where she is pursuing a certificate in Tax Law and serves as the Student Bar Association’s Director of Events. She holds a student practice license from the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners and participates in the Disability Rights Clinic, providing direct legal representation under faculty supervision to clients seeking advocacy for disability rights issues. Before law school, Alexis earned her M.Phil. in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation from Trinity College Dublin, graduating with distinction, and holds a B.B.A. from Belmont University. Her commitment to excellence and service shines through in everything she does.

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