Download Free Advance Directive Template for Tennessee

Medical care instructions if you become incapacitated

Sales Tax: 7%Notary: $5Witnesses: 2

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ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTHCARE
State of Tennessee

PART I — APPOINTMENT OF HEALTHCARE AGENT

I, [YOUR NAME], of [ADDRESS], Tennessee TN, appoint the following person as my Healthcare Agent:

Agent Name: [AGENT NAME]
Address: [AGENT ADDRESS]
Phone: [PHONE]

Alternate Agent: [ALTERNATE NAME]
Address: [ALTERNATE ADDRESS]
Phone: [PHONE]

My Healthcare Agent is authorized to make all healthcare decisions for me when I am unable to do so, including decisions about life-sustaining treatment.

PART II — INSTRUCTIONS FOR HEALTHCARE

If I am terminally ill or permanently unconscious:
[  ] I DO want life-sustaining treatment
[  ] I DO NOT want life-sustaining treatment
[  ] I want treatment only if my doctor believes it will improve my condition

Artificial Nutrition and Hydration:
[  ] I DO want artificial nutrition and hydration
[  ] I DO NOT want artificial nutrition and hydration

Pain Management:
I want all measures taken to keep me comfortable and free from pain, even if such measures hasten my death.

Organ Donation:
[  ] I wish to donate my organs and tissues
[  ] I do not wish to donate my organs

PART III — GENERAL PROVISIONS
This directive is made in accordance with Tennessee law (TN Statutes). It shall remain in effect until revoked.

DECLARANT SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____

WITNESS 1: _____________________ DATE: _____
WITNESS 2: _____________________ DATE: _____

NOTARY (if required in Tennessee):
Subscribed and sworn before me this ___ day of _______, 20__.
Notary Public: _____________________

FAQ: Advance Directive in Tennessee

Is a Advance Directive required in Tennessee?

Yes, in Tennessee, a Advance Directive is required for most transactions of this type. Under Tennessee State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by 2 individuals. Failure to use a proper Advance Directive may result in legal complications.

Does a Advance Directive need to be notarized in Tennessee?

Notarization requirements in Tennessee (TN) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $5. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.

What are the tax implications of a Advance Directive in Tennessee?

Tennessee has a base sales tax rate of 7%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Advance Directive, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Tennessee tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

Is an advance directive the same as a living will?

An advance directive is a broader document that typically includes both a living will (treatment preferences) and a healthcare power of attorney (appointing a decision-maker). Some states combine these into one form.

When does an advance directive take effect?

An advance directive takes effect only when you are unable to communicate your own healthcare decisions, typically due to unconsciousness, severe illness, or cognitive impairment. Your doctor must determine you lack decision-making capacity.

Do hospitals have to follow my advance directive?

Yes, healthcare providers are legally required to follow valid advance directives in all states. However, a provider may refuse on moral grounds but must transfer your care to another provider who will honor your wishes.

Advance Directive Costs in Tennessee

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Tennessee standard rate: $5
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Tennessee
Sales Tax7%Tennessee base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement2 witnessesTennessee requires multiple witnesses
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Tennessee-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

Where to File Your Advance Directive in Tennessee

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Advance Directive.

Tennessee County Clerk

Tennessee Capital

Main Government Building, Tennessee

District County Clerk

Tennessee Metro Area

County Courthouse, TN

Tennessee Advance Directive Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Advance Directive is legally valid in Tennessee.

2 witnesses must sign
Notarization may be required
Healthcare agent designated
Alternate agent named
Life-sustaining treatment preferences stated
Organ donation wishes specified
Pain management instructions included
Declarant must be of sound mind
Effective immediately or upon incapacity
Revocation clause included

Tennessee Notarization

Tennessee requires 2 witnesses and notarization may be mandatory. Fees typically range from $5.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Tennessee, a 7% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Tennessee law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Tennessee Filing Deadlines

Check Tennessee deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

MCE
Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Michael Chen, Esq.

Real Estate Law Consultant

Bar Certified, Real Estate Expert

Expert in property transactions and real estate documentation

This Advance Directive template for Tennessee has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Tennessee Advance Directive Legal Guide

According to Tennessee laws, this agreement holds legal weight once properly signed and notarized, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Tennessee law (Tennessee State Code) governs this Advance Directive. Key financial considerations include a 7% sales tax rate and notary fees of $5. The document requires 2 witnesses and remains valid indefinite.

This document offers comprehensive legal protection tailored specifically to Tennessee's unique statutory framework.

healthcare agentmedical proxylife-sustaining treatmentincapacityhealthcare decisionsorgan donationend-of-life care
Tennessee residents searching for a reliable Advance Directive template have come to the right place. Our form is tailored to TN statutory requirements and updated for 2026, giving you a legally sound starting point.

Step-by-Step Process

1. **Download the template** — Our Tennessee-specific form includes all fields required by TN law.
2. **Enter your information** — Fill in names, addresses, dates, and transaction details accurately.
3. **Review carefully** — Double-check all entries against your source documents.
4. **Sign and witness** — Execute the document according to Tennessee's signature requirements.
5. **Notarize if needed** — Some Tennessee transactions require notarization.
6. **File or distribute** — Provide copies to all parties and file with the appropriate Tennessee office if required.

Expert Recommendations

Legal professionals in Tennessee recommend:
- Always use a state-specific template compliant with TN statutes
- Have documents reviewed before signing high-value agreements
- File copies with the appropriate Tennessee government office when required
- Update your documents annually to reflect any changes in TN law

Enforceability in Tennessee

A Advance Directive that meets all TN requirements is fully enforceable in Tennessee. Courts in Tennessee have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.

What Tennessee Law Requires

Tennessee's statutes are clear: a valid Advance Directive must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of a notary public where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under TN law can render the document unenforceable.

Document Information

Document
Advance Directive
State
Tennessee (TN)
Category
Estate Planning
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
7%
Notary Fee
$5

Tennessee Legal Requirements

Governing Statute:

State Law

  • Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements

Legal Disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Tennessee may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.