A Practical Guide to Estate Planning and Probate in Crossville
Planning for the future and handling a loved one’s estate are important matters that affect families across Crossville and Cumberland County. At Jay Johnson Law Firm, we help people in Tennessee navigate wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and the probate process with straightforward guidance and clear communication. Whether you are preparing documents to protect your family or facing the administration of an estate after a death, thoughtful planning and careful attention to Tennessee law make the process smoother and reduce stress for everyone involved. We focus on practical solutions tailored to local needs and circumstances.
Many people delay estate planning because the topics feel overwhelming or emotional, but taking steps now can prevent disputes and simplify future decisions. Our approach emphasizes clear explanations of options, plain-language documents, and realistic next steps that fit your family and financial situation. For those facing probate, prompt organization, timely filings, and respectful communication with beneficiaries can significantly shorten timelines and avoid unnecessary expense. We aim to provide steady guidance through each stage, from initial planning conversations to final distributions under Tennessee probate procedures.
Why Estate Planning and Probate Matter for Crossville Families
Estate planning protects your wishes, preserves family assets, and reduces uncertainty for loved ones after you are gone. Creating documents such as wills and powers of attorney clarifies who will make decisions about property, finances, and medical care if you cannot. Probate services ensure that a deceased person’s obligations are settled and assets distributed according to the law or the decedent’s written directions. Proper planning and organized probate administration can save time, lower costs, and minimize the potential for family conflict during an already difficult period.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach in Tennessee
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients from Hendersonville to Crossville with practical legal services focused on estate planning and probate matters. Our team works to understand each client’s family situation, financial picture, and long-term goals so that documents are tailored rather than generic. We emphasize clear communication, dependable timelines, and efficient handling of filings required by Tennessee courts. When working with families after a death, we prioritize respectful administration and careful attention to creditor and beneficiary notifications, always keeping clients informed of next steps and responsibilities.
Understanding Estate Planning and Probate in Cumberland County
Estate planning refers to the legal documents and decisions you put in place to manage your assets and personal affairs during life and after death. Typical components include wills, revocable trusts, advance medical directives, and powers of attorney for finances and health. These tools work together to clarify your wishes, appoint decision makers, and direct the distribution of property. In Tennessee, certain formalities must be observed for documents to be valid, and careful drafting can reduce the chance of disputes among heirs, avoid unnecessary court involvement, and help protect vulnerable family members.
Probate is the court-supervised process for identifying a decedent’s assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to heirs or beneficiaries. Some estates qualify for simplified or informal procedures while others require formal administration depending on the size of the estate and whether a valid will exists. Probate tasks include filing petitions, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, and closing the estate through a final accounting. Handling these responsibilities correctly under Tennessee law preserves value for beneficiaries and ensures legal obligations are met without avoidable delays or disputes.
Key Definitions: Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney
A will is a written document that states how you want your property distributed and who should oversee that distribution after you die. A trust can hold assets during life and direct management or distribution after death, sometimes allowing for greater privacy and continuity. A financial power of attorney appoints someone to manage your finances if you cannot, and a medical directive names a decision-maker for healthcare choices. Each document has specific legal requirements in Tennessee, and drafting them to reflect real family dynamics and asset arrangements helps prevent ambiguity and potential litigation.
Primary Elements and Typical Probate Steps
Estate planning typically involves identifying assets, choosing beneficiaries, designating fiduciaries, and documenting instructions for care and distribution. Probate process steps can include filing the initial petition with the local court, inventorying and appraising assets, notifying creditors and beneficiaries, resolving claims, and distributing assets. Timely filings and clear record-keeping are important to meet statutory deadlines and reduce the risk of objections. We help clients assemble documents, gather necessary records, and follow procedural requirements so that plans and estates move forward efficiently under Tennessee rules.
Estate Planning and Probate Glossary for Crossville Residents
Understanding common terms makes estate planning and probate less intimidating. This glossary highlights words you are likely to encounter, from probate administration to beneficiary designations. Knowing these definitions helps you make informed choices, know what paperwork is needed, and communicate clearly with attorneys, courts, and family members. We encourage clients to review these terms and ask questions during the planning process so documents reflect real-life intentions and reduce the chance of future misunderstandings.
Will
A will is a legal document that sets out how your assets should be distributed after your death and names an administrator or personal representative to carry out those wishes. A properly executed will under Tennessee law can simplify probate by providing clear instructions, but it must meet statutory signature and witnessing requirements to be valid. Wills may also include guardianship designations for minor children and specific bequests of property. Revisiting your will periodically ensures beneficiaries, property descriptions, and personal wishes remain current with changes in your life and finances.
Trust
A trust is a legal arrangement in which one party holds property for the benefit of others according to instructions set by the grantor. Trusts can be used to manage assets during incapacity, provide for beneficiaries on specific terms, or avoid probate in certain situations. There are many types of trusts, including revocable living trusts and irrevocable trusts, each with different implications for control, taxation, and creditor protection. Choosing the right trust arrangement depends on goals such as privacy, ease of asset transition, and how you want assets managed after incapacity or death.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a document that appoints a trusted individual to handle financial or legal matters on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Durable powers of attorney remain effective during incapacity unless revoked, and they allow the appointed agent to manage banking, real estate, and other financial affairs. Because these documents grant significant authority, it is important to choose an agent you trust and to clearly define the scope of powers. In Tennessee, properly executed powers of attorney help families avoid court-appointed guardianship proceedings.
Probate
Probate refers to the legal process that validates a will, if one exists, identifies and appraises the decedent’s assets, pays debts and taxes, and distributes remaining assets to beneficiaries or heirs. The procedure varies depending on whether the estate is simple or complex, and whether the will is contested. Probate can be time-consuming, so planning strategies may aim to minimize assets that must pass through court. If the estate requires formal administration, careful attention to deadlines and creditor notices is essential to protect the estate and fulfill legal obligations.
Comparing Limited Planning to a Comprehensive Estate Strategy
When considering legal options, some people prefer a limited approach that covers only basic documents, while others pursue a comprehensive plan that addresses a broader set of contingencies. A limited package might include a simple will and basic powers of attorney, which can be suitable for smaller estates with straightforward family arrangements. A comprehensive plan adds trusts, tax planning, and tailored beneficiary designations to handle complex assets or family dynamics. Selecting the right level depends on goals, asset types, and whether minimizing probate or offering long-term management is important.
When a Basic Estate Plan May Be Appropriate:
Small or Simple Estates
A limited estate plan often fits individuals with modest assets and uncomplicated family situations. If you own few assets, have clear beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance, and no minor children or complex property arrangements, a simple will and powers of attorney may provide adequate protection. This approach focuses on ensuring your immediate wishes are known and that someone you trust can manage affairs in the event of incapacity. It can be a cost-effective solution for those whose primary objective is to communicate basic intentions and avoid gap issues.
Clear Beneficiary Designations
When retirement accounts and insurance policies are up to date with proper beneficiary designations, fewer assets may need to pass through probate, making a broader plan less urgent. Keeping account beneficiaries current and coordinated with a will helps reduce conflicts and confusion among heirs. Regular review of those designations is important after life events such as marriage, divorce, or births. Even with a limited plan, having powers of attorney for financial and medical decisions remains important to allow trusted persons to act if you become unable to manage affairs.
When a Full, Coordinated Plan Is Advisable:
Complex Assets or Blended Families
A comprehensive estate plan is often appropriate for those with real estate holdings, business interests, blended family relationships, or significant retirement and investment assets. These circumstances can create competing claims or unintended consequences without coordinated documents. Comprehensive planning uses trusts, carefully drafted wills, and beneficiary reviews to address fairness, tax considerations, and long-term management of assets. This approach helps ensure that the plan reflects your wishes across multiple asset types and family structures, reducing the chance of disputes and protecting intended beneficiaries.
Desire to Minimize Probate and Maintain Privacy
Those who want to minimize the time and public nature of probate may choose a comprehensive strategy that moves assets into trusts or employs other planning tools to keep transfers outside of court. Trusts and beneficiary-driven arrangements can allow for smoother transitions, private handling of asset distribution, and ongoing management for beneficiaries who need assistance. A thorough plan considers tax implications, timing, and the best legal mechanisms to achieve your goals while staying within Tennessee law and ensuring family wishes are respected.
The Advantages of a Complete Estate Plan for Crossville Residents
A comprehensive approach can reduce the administrative burden on loved ones and provide clear instructions for managing assets, paying debts, and caring for dependents. By addressing incapacity through durable powers of attorney and healthcare directives, the plan helps avoid court-appointed guardianship and allows trusted individuals to act quickly. Incorporating trusts and coordinated beneficiary designations can also streamline asset transfers, reduce probate costs, and allow for staged distribution to beneficiaries who may need oversight or protection from creditors.
Comprehensive planning also supports long-term family goals, such as providing for a surviving spouse while protecting inheritances for children from prior relationships, or arranging for the management of assets for beneficiaries who are not ready to inherit outright. Custom provisions can address charitable giving, business succession, and care for family members with special needs. The overall result is a cohesive plan that anticipates life changes and reduces uncertainty, helping families focus on recovery and continuity when difficult life events occur.
Reduced Probate Time and Expense
A well-designed plan can reduce the property that must go through probate, which often shortens timelines and lowers court costs. Using trusts, joint ownership with proper transfer-on-death arrangements, and beneficiary designations enables many assets to transfer directly to heirs without formal administration. Less involvement in probate court can mean fewer administrative tasks for family members and faster access to needed funds. This benefit is particularly valuable for families who require timely liquidity to cover ongoing expenses and final costs following a death.
Clear Direction for Decision Makers
Comprehensive documents give appointed agents and fiduciaries clear instructions about how to manage finances and healthcare decisions if you become unable to act. This clarity reduces the risk of disputes among family members and helps agents make decisions that align with your values. It also relieves family members of uncertainty during stressful times by spelling out desired outcomes and priorities. Clear naming of successors, substitute agents, and alternate distribution methods ensures continuity and practical management of affairs for the benefit of your loved ones.
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Practical Tips for Estate Planning and Probate
Keep Documents Up to Date
Review your estate plan regularly and after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or major changes in assets. Updating beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and insurance can prevent unintended outcomes and reduce the need for court intervention. Periodic review also ensures that appointed fiduciaries and agents remain appropriate choices. Keeping records organized, such as property deeds, account statements, and prior legal documents, makes implementation faster and less stressful for those you name to act on your behalf.
Coordinate Beneficiary Designations and Titling
Choose Trusted Agents and Communicate Your Wishes
Selecting agents for powers of attorney and trustees for any trusts requires thoughtful consideration of judgment, availability, and willingness to serve. Discuss your plans with chosen individuals so they understand expectations and can act promptly if needed. Provide organized access to important documents and account information so agents can manage affairs without delay. Open communication reduces stress and prevents conflicts by setting reasonable expectations for how decisions should be made if you cannot manage them yourself.
Reasons to Start Estate Planning or Begin Probate Administration Now
Starting an estate plan gives you control over how your property will be handled and who will make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. It can also protect children, direct care decisions, and provide for the financial security of loved ones. For those already facing a death in the family, prompt probate administration preserves assets and meets legal deadlines. Acting proactively reduces the burden on family members, helps avoid litigation, and ensures that your preferences are documented and legally enforceable under Tennessee law.
Probate administration after a death requires time-sensitive actions such as notifying creditors, filing required court documents, and preparing inventory and accounting records. Delays or incomplete documentation can increase costs and complicate distribution to beneficiaries. Beginning the process with clear organization and legal guidance helps settle obligations efficiently and protect estate value. For those who have not planned, starting now with basic documents can offer immediate protections and make future administration far simpler for your family.
Situations That Often Lead Families to Seek Planning or Probate Help
Common triggers for seeking legal help include the death of a family member, a change in marital status, birth of a child, acquisition of significant assets, or diagnosis of a serious illness that could lead to incapacity. Other circumstances include disputes among heirs, unclear beneficiary designations, ownership of property in multiple states, or business succession needs. In these scenarios, legal guidance helps assemble documents, understand statutory obligations in Tennessee, and carry out administration tasks with appropriate filings and communications to reduce uncertainty.
After a Loved One Dies
Following a death, families often need assistance with locating the will, filing for probate if necessary, notifying beneficiaries and creditors, and managing estate assets during administration. Effective handling reduces exposure to claims and ensures debts and taxes are properly addressed before distributions occur. Advisors can help compile inventories, arrange appraisals, and prepare required court filings. This assistance helps family members focus on personal matters while ensuring legal responsibilities are addressed in a timely and organized manner under Tennessee law.
Facing Incapacity or Serious Illness
When an individual experiences declining health, having durable powers of attorney and medical directives in place allows trusted people to act on their behalf immediately without court involvement. These documents authorize financial management and medical decision-making according to expressed wishes, which can prevent delays and disagreements during stressful periods. Preparing in advance protects assets, ensures prompt medical decisions, and avoids the need for a court-appointed guardian, which can be more time-consuming and public than private planning instruments.
Complex Family or Financial Situations
Blended families, business ownership, or substantial retirement assets often create competing priorities that require careful planning. Drafting tailored provisions such as trusts, generation-skipping strategies, or clear beneficiary allocations helps address differing needs and reduce the potential for conflict. Properly structured plans also consider creditor protection and tax consequences where appropriate. Professional guidance ensures documents reflect intended outcomes and that transitions are handled in a way that balances fairness with practical management for those who will carry out your wishes.
Local Legal Services for Estate Planning and Probate in Crossville
Jay Johnson Law Firm is available to assist individuals and families in Crossville and surrounding areas with planning and probate matters. We provide practical advice, prepare clear legal documents, and guide families through court procedures when necessary. Our goal is to reduce stress and uncertainty by keeping clients informed, meeting deadlines, and handling filings and communications with care. For immediate questions or to schedule a consultation, residents may contact the office in Tennessee to discuss circumstances and determine an appropriate plan of action.
Why Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Your Estate Planning and Probate Needs
We focus on delivering straightforward, practical advice tailored to the realities of Tennessee law and local procedures. Clients work directly with attorneys who listen to goals and craft documents that reflect personal wishes while addressing foreseeable issues. Our process emphasizes clarity, organized document preparation, and prompt filings when probate is required. This client-centered approach helps families understand options and makes implementation more predictable, which is particularly important during moments that require sensitive and timely decisions.
For probate administration, we assist with all necessary steps from petitioning the court to final distribution, keeping beneficiaries informed and handling communications with creditors and institutions. Attention to detail in inventories and accountings helps reduce the risk of disputes and keeps the process moving. Our familiarity with local clerks, court requirements, and regional practices helps streamline the administrative elements so families spend less time dealing with paperwork and more time focusing on personal matters.
We also prioritize accessibility and clear pricing so clients know what to expect throughout the engagement. Initial consultations identify priorities and outline recommended next steps, whether the need is simple planning documents or a full probate administration. Clients appreciate practical guidance that focuses on achievable outcomes and the legal mechanics necessary to protect assets and carry out wishes under Tennessee law. Contacting our office provides a starting point for tailored, reliable assistance through planning and estate resolution.
Contact Jay Johnson Law Firm in Crossville to Discuss Your Plan
How We Handle Estate Planning and Probate Matters
Our process begins with a conversation to understand your goals, family dynamics, and asset profile. From there we recommend appropriate documents, assemble needed records, and prepare clear drafts for review. When probate is required, we identify the applicable procedure, gather estate information, file petitions, and manage creditor notices and distributions in accordance with Tennessee rules. Throughout, we keep clients informed of timelines and next steps, provide copies of important documents, and remain available to answer questions as matters progress toward resolution.
Step One: Initial Consultation and Information Gathering
During the first stage we gather personal and financial information, discuss goals for asset distribution, and identify potential complications such as blended family issues or out-of-state property. This meeting clarifies which documents are appropriate and outlines a recommended plan. We also explain the probate process if applicable, including likely timelines and required documentation. Clear identification of priorities at the outset helps avoid unnecessary work and ensures the plan addresses the most important concerns for you and your family under Tennessee law.
Document Preparation and Drafting
After gathering details, we prepare the necessary documents chosen during the consultation, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Drafts are shared for review and revised as needed to reflect your intentions. The goal is to produce clear, legally effective documents that work together to carry out your wishes. We provide guidance on signing and witnessing to ensure each document meets Tennessee requirements so they will be enforceable when needed.
Review and Execution
We walk clients through the execution process, explaining where to store documents and how to update beneficiary designations and property titling. Proper execution and thoughtful storage help avoid disputes and make later administration simpler. We also discuss successor fiduciaries and provide instructions for sharing necessary information with trusted family members or agents, balancing the need for privacy with practical access when the documents must be used.
Step Two: Probate Filings and Administration
If a decedent’s estate requires probate, we handle court filings to open the estate, prepare inventories, and notify creditors and beneficiaries. We assist the personal representative in identifying debts and arranging payment, and in administering assets in accordance with the will or Tennessee intestacy rules when no will exists. Careful recordkeeping and timely filings protect the estate from unnecessary claims and ensure the process proceeds efficiently toward final distribution to beneficiaries.
Petitions and Court Filings
We prepare and file the initial petitions needed to open probate in the appropriate Tennessee court, provide notice to interested persons, and help obtain any necessary orders for inventory, appointment of a personal representative, and other interim steps. Prompt and accurate filings help keep the administration on schedule and reduce the likelihood of contested issues that can slow progress. We explain each filing so clients understand the legal purpose and expected timeline.
Creditor Notices and Asset Management
Administering an estate requires contacting known creditors, publishing notice where required, and evaluating claims before payment. We assist in determining legitimate debts, arranging payments from estate assets, and safeguarding property during administration. Proper asset management includes securing property, maintaining insurance, and addressing any ongoing financial obligations to preserve estate value until distribution. These steps reduce liability and ensure beneficiaries receive their appropriate shares without avoidable delays.
Step Three: Accounting, Distribution, and Closing the Estate
The final stage of administration includes preparing accountings, resolving remaining claims, obtaining court approval where necessary, and distributing assets to beneficiaries or heirs. We assist with the required documentation to close the estate with the court and provide beneficiaries with clear records of distributions and expenses. The goal is to complete the process accurately and transparently so that the estate can be closed with minimal residual obligations and beneficiaries can receive their intended inheritances promptly.
Final Accounting and Reports
We compile a final accounting that lists all estate receipts, disbursements, and distributions and prepare any reports required by the court or interested parties. This accounting documents how estate assets were handled and provides a basis for the court to approve final distributions. Thorough records and clear explanations help reduce the chance of later objections and provide beneficiaries with transparency regarding how the estate was administered and expenses were paid.
Distribution and Estate Closure
Once accounting is complete and obligations are satisfied, we assist in transferring assets to beneficiaries according to the will or Tennessee intestacy laws. We prepare the necessary deeds, assignment documents, and releases to accomplish distribution and, where appropriate, file final pleadings to close the estate with the court. Completing these steps carefully ensures that beneficiaries receive title or funds cleanly and that the personal representative is discharged from further responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning and Probate
What documents should I include in a basic estate plan?
A basic estate plan typically includes a will, a durable power of attorney for financial matters, a healthcare directive or medical power of attorney, and directions for beneficiaries on accounts. A will identifies who should receive property and who will serve as personal representative to settle the estate. Durable powers of attorney allow trusted individuals to manage finances if you cannot, while healthcare directives name someone to make medical decisions and communicate treatment preferences.These documents work together to cover both incapacity and post-death administration. Depending on your assets and family situation, additional tools such as payable-on-death designations, transfer-on-death deeds for real property, or a revocable trust may be recommended to streamline transitions or address privacy concerns. Regular review ensures these documents reflect current wishes and assets.
How does probate work in Tennessee?
Probate in Tennessee begins with filing a petition in the appropriate county court to open the estate and appoint a personal representative. The process includes identifying assets, providing notice to creditors and beneficiaries, resolving valid claims, and distributing assets under the will or state law if there is no will. The court oversees key steps to ensure legal requirements are met and provides a forum for resolving disputes.The timeline and level of court involvement depend on the estate’s complexity and whether a will is contested. Small or uncontested estates may qualify for simplified procedures, but larger or disputed estates typically require formal administration with inventories, accountings, and court approvals before final distribution.
Can I avoid probate entirely?
Some probate can be avoided by using joint ownership, beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance, transfer-on-death designations, or by placing assets in certain trusts. These mechanisms allow assets to pass directly to named beneficiaries without going through the court-supervised probate process. The effectiveness of these tools depends on proper titling and coordination with your will, so reviewing all accounts and property arrangements is important.While it may be possible to reduce the amount of property that must pass through probate, avoiding probate entirely is not always feasible or necessary. Careful planning can balance the desire for privacy and speed with tax, creditor, and family considerations, and a tailored approach will reflect your circumstances and Tennessee law.
How often should I review my estate plan?
You should review your estate plan whenever significant life changes occur, including marriage, divorce, births, deaths, changes in assets, or relocation. Periodic reviews every few years help ensure beneficiary designations, fiduciary appointments, and asset lists remain accurate and aligned with current wishes. Laws and personal circumstances evolve, so revisiting documents preserves their effectiveness and relevance.Proactive review prevents surprises for heirs and minimizes the need for court intervention later. It also provides an opportunity to confirm that chosen agents are still appropriate and willing to serve, and to make adjustments that reflect changing family dynamics or financial priorities.
What are the responsibilities of a personal representative?
A personal representative, sometimes called an executor, manages the estate’s administration after death. Responsibilities include filing the petition to open probate, locating and safeguarding assets, notifying creditors and beneficiaries, paying legitimate debts and taxes, preparing inventories and accountings, and distributing remaining assets according to the will or state law. The role demands careful recordkeeping and adherence to statutory deadlines to avoid personal liability.Personal representatives also communicate with beneficiaries about progress and decisions during administration. It is important to choose someone who is organized, available, and able to handle financial responsibilities, and to provide them with clear instructions and access to documents to facilitate efficient administration under Tennessee law.
How are debts and taxes paid from an estate?
Debts and taxes are generally paid from estate assets before distributions to beneficiaries. Known creditors must be notified and allowed to present claims within statutory timeframes, and legitimate claims are resolved from the estate’s funds. In some instances, the personal representative may negotiate or contest claims that are invalid or overstated to preserve estate value for beneficiaries.Estate taxes and final income taxes must also be addressed during administration, with filings made as required by federal and state rules. Proper accountings document payments and provide a record for beneficiaries and the court, ensuring transparency and legal compliance as the estate moves toward final distribution.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Tennessee?
If someone dies without a will in Tennessee, the estate is distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws, which specify a priority of heirs such as a surviving spouse, children, parents, or more distant relatives. This default arrangement may not reflect the decedent’s actual wishes and can create unintended distributions or family disputes. Opening probate without a will requires the court to appoint a personal representative to administer the estate under statutory rules.Intestacy can complicate matters when there are blended families, unmarried partners, or special provisions the decedent would have wanted. Creating a will ensures your specific intentions are followed and allows you to name guardians for minor children and select the person who will manage your estate.
How do I update beneficiary designations?
Updating beneficiary designations typically requires contacting the account custodian for retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets that allow beneficiary designations. Many institutions provide forms for changing beneficiaries, which should be filled out carefully to reflect current wishes. It is important to coordinate these designations with your overall estate plan because beneficiary designations generally override directions in a will for the assets they cover.Regularly review and update beneficiaries after major life events to avoid unintended outcomes. Keep copies of designation forms and confirm changes have been accepted by the account holder or insurer to ensure the intended transfer will occur without issues during administration.
When should I consider a trust?
Consider a trust when you want to provide ongoing management of assets, protect privacy by avoiding probate, or direct staged distributions to beneficiaries who may not be ready to manage large inheritances. Trusts are useful for addressing blended family concerns, supporting beneficiaries with special needs, or coordinating business succession. A revocable living trust can offer flexibility during life while providing structural benefits after death.Trusts involve careful drafting to ensure assets are properly funded and titled in the trust’s name. Working through these details during planning avoids gaps that could defeat the intended benefits, so a trust is most effective when integrated with a comprehensive estate strategy and clear instructions for trustees and beneficiaries.
How can I make sure my medical wishes are followed?
To help ensure your medical wishes are followed, prepare a healthcare directive or medical power of attorney that names a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions if you cannot. The document should include specific preferences about treatments, end-of-life care, and other considerations, and it should be executed according to Tennessee’s requirements. Provide copies to your healthcare agent, family members, and your medical providers.Discussing your wishes in advance and designating a person who understands your values reduces confusion and helps doctors and family members follow your directions. Regularly review these documents as medical preferences or personal relationships change, and carry a copy with you or make sure your care providers have access to it when needed.