A Tennessee Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants authority to another person to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf. The person you assign to act as your agent must be someone you trust and who will work in your best interests.
With this document, you can have peace of mind knowing that your affairs will be managed by someone you have chosen and who understands your wishes.
Laws
Statute: Power of Attorney (Tenn. Code § 34-6) and the Health Care Decisions Act (Tenn. Code §§ 68-11-1801 — 1816).
By Type
Durable (Financial)
Use so the agent's authority to act does not expire if the principal becomes incapacitated.
Signing Requirements: No laws.
Medical
Give doctors and caregivers legal instructions on how to manage your care should you become incapacitated (legally unable to make your own decisions).
Signing Requirements: Notary public or at two witnesses (§ 34-6-203(a)(3)).
Limited (Special)
Use so the affairs an agent is authorized to manage are restricted to those specified in the document.
Signing Requirements: No laws.
Non-Durable (General)
Enable a trusted agent to manage financial decisions on behalf of the principal.
Signing Requirements: No laws.
Springing
Comes in effect at a future time and only when a specific event occurs. In essence, the document “springs” into action.
Signing Requirements: No laws.
Vehicle (Form RV-F1311401)
Give a proxy or agent authority to manage a principal's vehicle-related affairs on their behalf.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Real Estate
Extend powers to a trusted agent so they can buy, sell, and manage your property.
Signing Requirements: Principal only (a notary acknowledgment or two witnesses are recommended).
Tax (Form RV-F0103801)
Let someone handle your taxes when you can't do so yourself.
Signing Requirements: Taxpayer and representative.
Minor (Child)
Nominate a trusted third party (agent) to assume parental responsibility for a limited period.
Signing Requirements: Notary public or two witnesses.
Revocation
Rescind any authority you've bestowed upon an appointed representative.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses or a notary public is recommended.
