TN HB1528

Surviving spouses lose the right to file or collect proceeds from wrongful death lawsuits if children or next of kin prove the spouse abandoned or willfully withdrew from the deceased for 3 years

A rebuttable presumption of abandonment is created once 3 years have passed since the abandonment or willful withdrawal occurred

Children or next of kin challenging a surviving spouse's rights must serve the spouse with legal process according to civil procedure rules

The definition of "person" in wrongful death actions is expanded to include an unborn child as defined in § 63-6-1102

Effective date: July 1, 2026