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
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.
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.