Tennessee Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Tennessee, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Tennessee guide.
- Will
- Tennessee will requirements: the 18-and-sound-mind rule, two-witness signing, holographic and nuncupative will limits, self-proving affidavits, revocation. Read the guide
- Living trust
- How a Tennessee revocable living trust avoids probate under the Tennessee Uniform Trust Code: creating it, funding it, the pour-over will, and its cost. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Tennessee power of attorney rules: not durable by default, signing and recording requirements, springing POAs, express-grant powers, and how it ends at death. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- How a Tennessee advance directive works: one written document for care wishes plus a health care agent, the surrogate rules, and notary-or-two-witness signing. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what Tennessee requires from an online will before you sign anything.
Tennessee estate planning guides
Tennessee Estate Planning Basics
Tennessee estate planning basics: the will, durable POA, advance directive, and beneficiary forms every adult needs, plus no TN estate or inheritance tax.
Tennessee Will Requirements
Tennessee will requirements: the 18-and-sound-mind rule, two-witness signing, holographic and nuncupative will limits, self-proving affidavits, revocation.
Tennessee Power of Attorney
Tennessee power of attorney rules: not durable by default, signing and recording requirements, springing POAs, express-grant powers, and how it ends at death.
Tennessee Advance Directive for Health Care
How a Tennessee advance directive works: one written document for care wishes plus a health care agent, the surrogate rules, and notary-or-two-witness signing.
Tennessee Guardianship and Conservatorship Planning
How Tennessee conservatorship and guardianship work, plus the durable POA and advance directive that often let you skip a court case under Title 34.
Tennessee Revocable Living Trust
How a Tennessee revocable living trust avoids probate under the Tennessee Uniform Trust Code: creating it, funding it, the pour-over will, and its cost.
Tennessee Trust Administration
How to administer a Tennessee trust after the grantor dies: successor trustee duties under the Tennessee Uniform Trust Code, notice, accounting, and taxes.
How Pet Trusts Work in Tennessee
How a Tennessee pet trust works under the Tennessee Uniform Trust Code: set aside money for an animal's care, name a caregiver and trustee, and fund it.
Digital Assets and Estate Planning in Tennessee
How to plan for and access a Tennessee decedent's digital assets under RUFADAA: online legacy tools, will and POA language, crypto, and executor access.
Not sure what you need in Tennessee?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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