Comprehensive Guide to Pet Trusts in Savannah, Tennessee
Planning for a pet’s care after an owner’s passing is an important part of estate planning for many families in Savannah. A pet trust lets you set aside funds and name a caregiver to ensure your animal receives ongoing care according to your instructions. This page explains how pet trusts fit into estate planning and probate matters handled by Jay Johnson Law Firm, based in Tennessee, and outlines practical steps to protect your pet’s future while addressing legal and financial details that matter to pet owners.
Many pet owners want to prevent uncertainty about their animal’s welfare and ensure funds are available for care. A pet trust can provide instructions for daily needs, veterinary care, boarding, and long-term housing, and can name a trusted person to carry out your wishes. In Savannah and across Tennessee, putting these plans in writing helps avoid family disputes and gives clear guidance to courts and caregivers. Our firm helps families translate their wishes into durable legal arrangements that aim to protect animals and ease transitions for those left behind.
Why Pet Trusts Matter for Savannah Pet Owners
A pet trust addresses both the emotional and practical concerns of leaving a beloved animal behind. It specifies who will care for the animal, how funds should be used, and what routines or medical preferences should be followed. Beyond ensuring continuity of care, these documents reduce uncertainty for family members and help ensure that funds earmarked for a pet are used as intended. For households in Savannah, a well-drafted pet trust can be a vital component of a larger estate plan, protecting the animal’s comfort and health while offering clear directions to caregivers and the probate court.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach to Pet Care Planning
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients across Tennessee, including Savannah and surrounding communities, with practical estate planning and probate services that include pet trusts. Our attorneys focus on clear communication, personalized planning, and durable documents that reflect each client’s values. We work with family members to understand the pet’s needs, recommend appropriate funding strategies, and draft provisions that are enforceable under Tennessee law. The firm emphasizes approachable service and careful attention to detail so that clients feel confident their pets will be looked after according to their wishes.
Understanding Pet Trusts and How They Work in Tennessee
A pet trust is a legal arrangement that sets aside property or funds for the care of an animal and names a trustee to manage those resources. In Tennessee, state law recognizes pet trusts and provides mechanisms to enforce the owner’s directions. When drafting a pet trust in Savannah, key considerations include identifying a caregiver, determining an appropriate amount of funding, and specifying care standards. The trust can operate during your lifetime or take effect after your death, and it should coordinate with other estate planning documents such as wills and powers of attorney.
Implementing a pet trust involves choosing who will act as trustee and caregiver, making clear provisions for veterinary care and daily living, and establishing how remaining funds should be handled if the pet dies or the caregiver cannot continue. It is also important to consider tax implications, possible bond requirements for the trustee, and practical issues like transferring ownership and medical records. Working through these details with an attorney familiar with Tennessee estate planning helps ensure the trust is durable and reflects the owner’s goals for their pet’s long-term welfare.
Defining Pet Trusts and Key Legal Concepts
A pet trust is a type of trust that allocates property specifically for the care of one or more animals and directs how that property should be used. The trust names a trustee to manage funds and a caregiver to provide day-to-day care. It can include instructions for medical treatment, dietary needs, housing, and preferred caretaking arrangements. In Tennessee, a properly drafted pet trust is recognized by the courts and is enforceable. Clear, specific language helps ensure that the trustee and caregiver understand responsibilities and that there is a plan for any remaining funds after the pet’s death.
Key Elements and Steps in Creating a Pet Trust
Creating a pet trust involves several important elements: identifying the beneficiary animal, designating a trustee and caregiver, funding the trust with an appropriate amount, and writing instructions about care standards and veterinary decisions. The process begins with a client interview to understand the animal’s needs and the owner’s intentions. From there, the attorney drafts the trust document and coordinates it with any wills or estate plans. Final steps include executing the documents according to Tennessee formalities and transferring funds or property to the trustee to make the trust operational.
Key Terms and Glossary for Pet Trusts
Understanding common terms related to pet trusts helps pet owners make informed choices. Definitions can clarify the roles of trustee and caregiver, explain funding mechanisms, and describe how courts may enforce the trust. This section provides concise explanations of terms frequently encountered during the planning process so Savannah residents can be confident when discussing options and making decisions. Clear definitions reduce confusion and help ensure that documents reflect an owner’s wishes about their animal’s future care.
Trustee
A trustee is the person or entity responsible for managing funds or property held in the pet trust and for carrying out the owner’s written directions regarding the animal’s care. The trustee handles financial decisions, pays for veterinary bills and ongoing expenses, and ensures that funds are used in accordance with the trust document. Selecting a trustworthy, organized trustee is important because they must balance the pet’s needs with the terms of the trust and may need to provide records or accounting to beneficiaries or the court if required under Tennessee law.
Caregiver
The caregiver is the individual who provides daily care to the animal, following the instructions in the trust for feeding, exercise, medical care, and living arrangements. This person may be a family member, friend, or a professional caregiver. The trust should include clear expectations for care routines, veterinary decision making, and communication between caregiver and trustee. Naming a backup caregiver helps ensure continuity if the primary caregiver becomes unable to continue providing care, and written acceptance of the role can prevent disputes later.
Beneficiary (Pet)
In the context of a pet trust, the beneficiary is the animal or animals for whose benefit the trust property is held. While the beneficiary is not a legal person, the trust is structured so that the trustee must use funds to provide for the beneficiary’s care. Documents should include identifying details about the animal such as name, age, health conditions, and any special needs to ensure that the trustee and caregiver understand the intended recipient of the trust’s resources and can provide appropriate care throughout the animal’s life.
Funding the Trust
Funding a pet trust means transferring assets or designating funds to be used for the pet’s care. This can include cash, investment accounts, life insurance proceeds, or other property that will be available to the trustee. The owner should consider realistic ongoing costs for food, grooming, routine veterinary care, emergency treatment, and boarding. The trust should also provide guidance on what happens to any remaining funds after the animal dies, such as distribution to a named charitable organization or to beneficiaries designated by the owner.
Comparing Options: Pet Trusts, Wills, and Informal Arrangements
Pet owners in Savannah can choose between several planning options, including formal pet trusts, specific provisions in a will, or informal agreements with caregivers. A pet trust offers stronger legal protection because funds are managed by a trustee according to written instructions, whereas a will provision may require probate and could be less direct in funding care. Informal arrangements rely on trust between parties but may lack enforceability and funding. Reviewing benefits and drawbacks of each approach helps owners decide which path best matches their priorities for their pet’s welfare and family dynamics.
When a Simple Arrangement Might Work:
Low Ongoing Costs and Reliable Caregiver
A limited approach, such as leaving instructions in a will or an informal agreement, may be appropriate when a pet has modest ongoing costs and there is a clearly willing, financially stable caregiver within the family. If veterinary expenses are expected to be minimal and the designated caregiver is prepared to assume responsibility without formal funding, simpler arrangements can reduce paperwork and legal complexity. However, even in these situations, documenting the arrangement in writing and discussing expectations with the caregiver can prevent misunderstandings and ensure the pet’s day-to-day needs are met.
Strong Family Agreement and Low Risk of Dispute
When family members are in agreement about who will care for a pet and finances are unlikely to be contested, a limited plan can be an appropriate choice. If there is mutual trust and open communication, a will with a clear designation and letter of instruction can provide guidance without creating a separate trust. It is still important to consider contingencies such as the caregiver’s ability to continue providing care over time and to name backups. Clear documentation helps preserve harmony and reduces the likelihood of legal intervention.
When a Full Pet Trust and Integrated Planning Make Sense:
Significant Funding or Complex Medical Needs
A comprehensive legal approach is advisable when a pet’s care will require substantial ongoing funding or when the animal has chronic or complex medical needs that require specific treatment plans and financial resources. In these cases, a pet trust allows for professional management of funds and clear instructions about medical decision making, which can prevent disputes and ensure continuity of care. Coordinating the pet trust with the broader estate plan also helps address tax, probate, and succession issues in a way that supports the pet’s welfare over time.
Potential Family Disagreements or Multiple Care Options
When there is a risk of family disagreement about who should care for the pet or when multiple potential caregivers exist, a comprehensive pet trust can reduce conflict by clearly naming roles and funding. The trust can include explicit procedures for resolving disputes, appoint backups, and require accounting from the trustee. These measures help ensure that the owner’s instructions are followed and minimize the need for court involvement, giving both the pet and family members clarity and reassurance about future arrangements.
Benefits of a Comprehensive Pet Trust Approach
A comprehensive pet trust provides structured financial support and enforceable instructions tailored to the animal’s needs, reducing uncertainty and protecting the owner’s intentions. It promotes continuity of care by appointing both a trustee to manage funds and a caregiver to provide daily attention. Because the trust can include specific provisions for veterinary care, emergency decisions, and retirement arrangements for the pet, owners gain confidence that their animal will receive consistent treatment. This approach also simplifies the trustee’s responsibilities by outlining acceptable expenses and reporting expectations.
Another important benefit of a comprehensive approach is legal enforceability under Tennessee law, which helps ensure funds earmarked for a pet are used appropriately. The trust can reduce the likelihood of family disputes by clarifying roles and instructions, and it can provide remedies if a caregiver or trustee does not follow the terms. Integrating the pet trust with the broader estate plan also makes administration more efficient by coordinating beneficiaries, assets, and probate considerations to protect both the pet and the owner’s legacy.
Assured Financial Support for Ongoing Care
Establishing a pet trust ensures that money will be available to cover routine and unexpected expenses throughout the animal’s life. The trustee manages resources and pays costs for food, grooming, regular veterinary visits, and emergency treatment according to the directions you provide. This arrangement protects against the risk that a caregiver might be unable to cover high medical bills or ongoing costs. Knowing funds are designated and managed for the pet’s care can give owners peace of mind about their animal’s future financial security.
Clear Care Instructions and Legal Protection
A comprehensive pet trust allows you to set clear expectations for daily routines, medical treatments, and living arrangements, reducing ambiguity for caregivers. The trust’s written instructions can be enforced if necessary, which helps ensure that funds are used only for the animal’s benefit. Including backup caregivers, procedures for relocating the pet, and guidance for end-of-life decisions further protects your wishes. These measures create a durable plan that helps avoid family conflict and provides legal tools to ensure your pet’s welfare is honored.
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Practical Tips for Planning a Pet Trust
Choose and confirm a caregiver
Talk with the person you plan to name as caregiver long before finalizing documents and confirm they are willing and able to take responsibility. Discuss routines, medical preferences, and any special needs the animal has, and ask whether they can commit to long-term care. Naming a backup caregiver is also wise in case circumstances change. Having these conversations ahead of time reduces confusion and ensures the chosen person understands expectations and can provide reliable ongoing care for your pet.
Realistically estimate funding needs
Coordinate with your estate plan
Integrate the pet trust with your broader estate plan to ensure consistency across documents and to clarify how assets will be transferred to the trustee. Coordinating wills, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations prevents conflicting instructions and streamlines administration after your death. A coordinated plan also addresses contingencies such as what happens to leftover funds after the pet dies and how the trustee should report expenses. Thoughtful coordination reduces the potential for disputes and makes carrying out your plan more straightforward for loved ones.
Reasons Savannah Pet Owners Should Consider a Pet Trust
Pet trusts provide legal and financial clarity for the ongoing care of animals, making them a valuable tool for owners who want to protect their pets. They name responsible parties, allocate funds, and set standards for care to reduce uncertainty. For pet owners in Savannah, a pet trust helps ensure that decisions about veterinary treatment, housing, and daily routines reflect the owner’s wishes, while also offering mechanisms for oversight and accounting. This level of planning can be especially meaningful for those with strong bonds to their animals.
Beyond ensuring care, pet trusts can limit disputes among family members by providing written instructions that are enforceable under Tennessee law. They allow owners to plan for unexpected events and give caregivers clear authority to act on behalf of the animal. Pet trusts can be tailored to address special needs, long-term medical conditions, or preferences about placement and care. The predictability and protection offered by a trust can be an important part of a broader estate plan that preserves the welfare of both pets and surviving family members.
Common Situations Where a Pet Trust Is Helpful
Pet trusts are often used when owners want to guarantee financial support and continuity of care in the event of death or incapacity. They are useful for animals with long expected lifespans, chronic medical conditions, or specific behavioral needs that require ongoing attention. They can also be important when family dynamics could lead to disagreement about care or when an owner does not have an obvious successor caregiver. In these circumstances, a formal trust provides a clear path to protect the animal’s welfare.
Owner anticipating serious illness or incapacity
If an owner faces a serious illness or the likelihood of long-term incapacity, a pet trust can ensure there are plans in place for the animal’s day-to-day care and medical decisions. The trust can name someone to assume responsibilities immediately and instruct the trustee on disbursing funds for care. Preparing these provisions ahead of time reduces stress on family and caregivers during health crises and makes certain that animals receive consistent treatment that follows the owner’s documented preferences.
No immediate family caregiver available
When an owner does not have an immediate family member able to take on caregiving duties, a pet trust helps identify and fund a willing caregiver, whether a friend, neighbor, or professional. The trust can include instructions for locating a qualified caretaker, provide funding to secure veterinary services or boarding, and designate backup plans if the primary caregiver becomes unavailable. This proactive planning ensures pets are not neglected and reduces uncertainty about who will assume responsibility.
Significant expected veterinary or ongoing costs
Pets with chronic health conditions or those requiring ongoing medical treatment may generate significant costs over time. A pet trust creates a designated pool of funds to cover these needs and allows a trustee to manage payments and financial planning. Including detailed medical instructions and a plan for emergency care helps the caregiver and trustee make timely decisions that align with the owner’s wishes, ensuring the pet receives appropriate treatment without placing undue financial burden on the caregiver.
Savannah Pet Trust Attorney Services
Jay Johnson Law Firm assists Savannah residents with drafting and administering pet trusts as part of larger estate planning services. We help clients identify caregivers and trustees, estimate funding needs, and draft clear, enforceable instructions for pet care. Our approach emphasizes practical solutions tailored to each animal’s needs, and we work to coordinate the pet trust with wills and other estate documents. Clients appreciate straightforward guidance about legal options and concrete steps to protect their pets’ futures in Tennessee.
Why Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Pet Trusts
Clients seeking help with pet planning in Savannah will find a collaborative approach at Jay Johnson Law Firm, where attorneys listen to your goals and create tailored documents. We focus on drafting clear language that minimizes ambiguity and supports the practical needs of both pets and caregivers. The firm emphasizes accessible communication and thoughtful planning to ensure the pet trust functions as intended within the broader estate plan and under Tennessee law.
Our attorneys assist with identifying appropriate funding sources, naming trustees and caregivers, and preparing contingency provisions to address changes in circumstance. We also discuss how the pet trust interacts with probate and other post-death administration tasks so clients understand the practical impact of their choices. By addressing these details upfront, clients can reduce future conflict and ensure that their pets receive consistent, funded care according to their wishes.
The firm provides clear guidance about drafting enforceable provisions, transferring assets to fund the trust, and maintaining records that support administration. We help clients plan for realistic ongoing costs and consider fallback options for unexpected events. Our aim is to provide compassionate legal planning that protects the welfare of animals and reduces stress for family members who may carry out the plan, ensuring a smooth transition when it becomes necessary.
Ready to Plan for Your Pet’s Future? Contact Us Today
How We Handle Pet Trust Planning at Our Firm
Our process begins with a conversation to understand the pet’s needs and the owner’s intentions. We gather information about the animal’s health, preferred caregivers, and financial resources, then recommend options for funding and drafting. After preparing documents, we review and revise them with the client to ensure clarity. We assist with execution formalities in Tennessee and with transferring assets where needed, and we remain available to update documents as circumstances change to ensure the trust continues to reflect current wishes.
Initial Consultation and Information Gathering
During the initial meeting, we learn about the pet’s daily routine, medical history, and the owner’s goals for long-term care. We also gather details about potential caregivers and financial resources that could fund the trust. This step sets the foundation for drafting a trust that aligns with the owner’s priorities and the animal’s needs. Clear communication at this stage helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures the final plan is practical and workable for those who will carry it out.
Discussing Care Preferences
We discuss specific care preferences such as feeding schedules, exercise needs, grooming, and any behavioral or medical treatments the animal requires. These details are used to draft care instructions and to inform the trustee and caregiver how best to maintain the animal’s wellbeing. Including precise information reduces ambiguity and helps ensure that day-to-day care follows the owner’s wishes, making the arrangement smoother for the caregiver and trustee when the time comes.
Assessing Funding Options
Determining how to fund a pet trust is a crucial part of early planning. We review assets that can be designated to the trust, discuss whether life insurance or specific accounts are appropriate sources of funding, and estimate likely costs over the animal’s expected lifetime. Establishing realistic funding parameters helps ensure the trust can meet care needs without placing undue burden on the caregiver and allows the trustee to manage resources prudently.
Drafting and Reviewing Documents
After gathering information, we prepare a draft pet trust tailored to the owner’s wishes and the pet’s needs, then review it with the client. This phase includes specifying trustee powers, caregiver duties, funding arrangements, and fallback provisions. We ensure the language is clear, enforceable under Tennessee law, and consistent with other estate planning documents. The review process allows clients to refine instructions and make adjustments before finalizing the trust.
Coordinating with Estate Documents
We coordinate the pet trust with wills, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations to prevent conflicting instructions. Harmonizing these documents is essential to ensure the trustee can access funds and that the pet trust operates smoothly after the owner’s death or incapacity. Careful coordination reduces the potential for administration delays and helps ensure that the owner’s overall estate plan functions as intended.
Client Review and Revisions
Clients review the draft trust and suggest revisions to clarify care instructions, funding levels, and contingency plans. We incorporate feedback and explain the implications of different choices so clients can make informed decisions. This iterative process produces a final document that aligns with the client’s priorities and provides clear guidance to trustees and caregivers.
Execution, Funding, and Ongoing Review
Finalizing the pet trust includes proper execution according to Tennessee formalities, transferring funds or property to the trustee, and documenting any acceptance by chosen caregivers and trustees. We assist with these steps and advise on maintaining records and updating the trust as circumstances change. Periodic review ensures the trust continues to meet the pet’s needs and reflects the owner’s current wishes, especially after major life events or changes in the pet’s health.
Funding the Trust and Transfers
We help complete transfers of assets or designation of accounts so the trustee has clear access to resources for the pet’s care. Proper funding is essential to make the trust operational and reliable. Documentation confirming transfers and any acceptance by the trustee helps avoid confusion and supports prompt administration when the trust takes effect, allowing caregivers to focus on the pet rather than financial logistics.
Periodic Updates and Amendments
Life changes such as relocation, changes in caregiver availability, or shifts in the pet’s health may require updates to the trust. We recommend periodic reviews and can prepare amendments to reflect new circumstances. Keeping the trust current helps ensure instructions remain realistic and enforceable, and it allows the owner to adjust funding or caregiver designations as needed so the pet’s welfare continues to be protected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Trusts
What is a pet trust and how does it work in Tennessee?
A pet trust is a legal arrangement that provides for the care and financial support of an animal by naming a trustee to manage designated funds and a caregiver to provide day-to-day attention. In Tennessee, pet trusts can be enforceable when drafted with clear instructions, funding provisions, and roles for trustees and caregivers. The trust document should describe the animal, outline care expectations, and state how the trustee should allocate funds for expenses such as food, grooming, and veterinary care.Pet trusts can be established to take effect after the owner’s death or upon incapacity, and they can function alongside other estate planning documents. Proper coordination with wills and beneficiary designations helps ensure the trustee can access required funds and that the trust operates as intended, reducing uncertainty and promoting the pet’s welfare.
How do I choose a caregiver and trustee for my pet?
Choosing a caregiver involves selecting someone who is willing, able, and available to provide daily care consistent with your pet’s needs. It is important to discuss expectations, routines, and potential responsibilities with the person before naming them in the trust. Having a backup caregiver named in the document adds an extra layer of protection if the primary caregiver becomes unavailable.Selecting a trustee requires consideration of financial responsibility and willingness to manage funds and pay for expenses. The trustee does not need to be the caregiver but should be someone who will administer funds prudently, keep records, and follow your written instructions. Clear communication among all parties reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings.
How much money should I allocate to a pet trust?
Determining how much to allocate to a pet trust depends on anticipated ongoing costs and potential medical needs. Consider routine expenses like food, grooming, and routine veterinary care, as well as the possibility of emergency treatments. Estimating average annual costs and multiplying by the animal’s expected years of remaining life provides a practical starting point for funding decisions.It is also wise to include a margin for unexpected expenses and to discuss funding sources such as cash, investment accounts, or life insurance proceeds. Working with an attorney to create a realistic funding plan helps ensure that the trust will meet its intended purpose without placing undue burden on caregivers or trustees.
What happens to leftover funds after my pet dies?
Pet trusts typically specify what should happen to remaining funds after the pet dies. Common options include distributing leftover assets to named human beneficiaries, donating them to a chosen animal charity, or directing them to another purpose that reflects the owner’s wishes. Clear instructions in the trust prevent disagreements and provide a straightforward path for final distributions.Including provisions for leftover funds and naming contingent beneficiaries reduces uncertainty for the trustee and caregivers. Discussing these choices during planning ensures that the disposition of remaining assets aligns with your values and reduces the likelihood of later disputes about how leftover funds should be handled.
Can I include medical instructions and end-of-life wishes in a pet trust?
Yes, a pet trust can include detailed medical instructions and end-of-life wishes for your animal, such as preferences for treatment, pain management, and circumstances under which euthanasia should be considered. Clear guidance helps the caregiver and veterinarian make decisions that reflect your values and the pet’s quality of life. Including these instructions in writing reduces ambiguity and supports better decision making in difficult situations.It is important to balance specificity with flexibility so caregivers and veterinarians can exercise appropriate judgment in emergencies. Providing contact information for your regular veterinarian and documenting important medical history also helps ensure continuity of care and makes it easier for caregivers to act in the pet’s best interests.
How does a pet trust interact with my will and other estate documents?
A pet trust should be coordinated with your will and other estate planning documents to avoid conflicting instructions and to ensure the trustee can access funds. For example, if you intend life insurance proceeds to fund the trust, beneficiary designations must be arranged so the trust receives those proceeds. Coordination helps the administration of your estate proceed smoothly and reduces the likelihood of delays or disputes during probate.Discussing your overall estate plan with an attorney ensures each document complements the others. This coordination also allows for consistent contingency planning, such as naming the same backups across documents and ensuring that trustee powers and beneficiary designations align with your broader intentions.
Will a pet trust prevent family disputes over my pet?
A pet trust can reduce the risk of family disputes by clearly documenting your wishes and establishing enforceable roles and funding. When responsibilities and funding sources are spelled out, there is less room for disagreement about who should care for the pet or how funds should be used. The trust can also require periodic accounting, provide dispute resolution procedures, and name backup caregivers, all of which help minimize conflict.While no plan can guarantee disputes will never arise, providing clear instructions and selecting trustworthy individuals for roles can greatly reduce the likelihood of contentious situations. Open communication with family members about your plan further reduces misunderstandings and promotes cooperation when the plan must be carried out.
Can a pet trust cover multiple animals or long-term boarding?
Yes, a pet trust can be drafted to cover multiple animals and to address long-term boarding or specialized housing needs. The trust can specify separate care instructions and funding allocations for each animal or create a pooled fund to be used proportionally for multiple pets. Including clear descriptions of each animal helps the trustee and caregiver administer the trust appropriately for all beneficiaries.Provisions for boarding, training, or specialist care can be included to ensure consistent, high-quality treatment. If long-term boarding is anticipated, the trust can name approved facilities or set standards for acceptable placements, preventing confusion and ensuring the animals’ needs are met in a setting that aligns with the owner’s preferences.
What should I do if my chosen caregiver is unwilling later?
If a chosen caregiver later becomes unwilling or unable to serve, the trust should name one or more backup caregivers who can step in. It is important to communicate with backup candidates in advance and confirm their willingness. The trustee can then arrange for transitions and transfer care in a planned way that minimizes stress for the animal.If no backup was named, the trustee has a duty to find a suitable caregiver and manage funds for the animal’s welfare, which may require court involvement if disputes arise. Naming alternates and keeping the trust up to date prevents delays and helps ensure continuity of care when changes occur.
How often should I review or update my pet trust?
Reviewing a pet trust periodically is recommended, particularly after major life changes such as relocation, changes in caregiver availability, or if the pet’s health status changes significantly. Regular reviews ensure funding levels remain appropriate and that designated individuals are still willing and able to serve. Updating the trust as circumstances evolve keeps the plan practical and enforceable.Owners should also review the trust when updating other estate planning documents to confirm consistency across their overall plan. Consulting with an attorney during these reviews helps identify necessary amendments and ensures the trust continues to reflect current wishes and legal requirements in Tennessee.