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.

Christin Railey

Legal Assistant
Christin Railey is an integral member of our team, dedicated to helping families and supporting the community through her role as a Legal Assistant to our probate and estate planning attorneys. With a background in education and counseling, she brings warmth, empathy, and attention to detail to every client interaction. Christin earned degrees in Early Childhood Education from the University of Memphis and School Counseling from the University of Arkansas, and spent eight years in public education before joining the legal field. Outside the office, she’s a proud mom of two boys who enjoys yoga, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Kevin Woods

Fiduciary Services Specialist
Kevin Woods is a compassionate and highly skilled Fiduciary Support Specialist, dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex and deeply personal responsibilities of fiduciary roles. Specializing in comprehensive support for conservators and legal guardians, Kevin acts as a vital guide for individuals stepped into the role of managing a loved one's life, finances, and well-being.
His mission is simple: to provide practical solutions and expert coordination that turn an overwhelming process into a clear, manageable journey. He delivers holistic guidance across two core pillars: care management coordination, ensuring the loved one’s daily health and safety needs are met, and financial management support, helping fiduciaries establish organized, court-compliant tracking systems.

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