Powers of Attorney in Tennessee
Planning for Peace of Mind and Protection.
A Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most important estate planning tools you can have in place. It allows you to designate someone you trust—called an agent or attorney-in-fact—to make decisions and take actions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. At McClanahan Law | Life & Legacy, we help you prepare Powers of Attorney that reflect your wishes, protect your interests, and bring you peace of mind.
We guide clients through every detail of establishing Powers of Attorney. We’ll help you:
Choose the right type of POA for your situation.
Define clear instructions for your agent.
Ensure your documents meet Tennessee legal standards.
Coordinate your POA with your broader estate plan.
What is a Power of Attorney?
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A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives another person authority to act on your behalf. Depending on your needs, this authority can be broad or limited. You decide what powers your agent has and when those powers take effect.
There are two main types of Powers of Attorney most Tennessee families include in their estate plans:
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1. Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
This document allows your chosen agent to manage your financial affairs—such as paying bills, handling banking, or managing property—if you become incapacitated. “Durable” means it remains valid even if you lose mental capacity.
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2. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
Also known as a Healthcare Proxy, this allows your agent to make medical decisions for you if you can’t speak for yourself. You can outline your wishes for medical care, life support, and end-of-life decisions so your loved ones are never left guessing.
Why Powers of Attorney Matter
Without a valid Power of Attorney, your loved ones may have to go through the court process of obtaining a conservatorship to make decisions on your behalf—a process that can be time-consuming, stressful, and costly.
Having Powers of Attorney in place ensures:
Your affairs are managed by someone you trust.
Your healthcare and financial wishes are honored.
Your family avoids unnecessary legal intervention during a crisis.
When to Create or Update a Power of Attorney
You should consider establishing or updating your Power of Attorney when:
You’re creating or revising your will or estate plan.
You experience a major life change (marriage, divorce, new child).
You or a loved one face a medical diagnosis or upcoming surgery.
You move to or from Tennessee.
Plan Today for Tomorrow’s Peace of Mind
A well-crafted Power of Attorney ensures your voice is heard—even if you can’t speak for yourself. Our team is here to help you plan ahead with confidence and care.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step in protecting yourself and your family.