What Do I Need to Sign My Healthcare Proxy in Tennessee?
Witness, notary, and remote online notarization (RON) requirements for healthcare proxies in Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tennessee requires 2 witnesses for a healthcare proxy.Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-11-1803Verified Jul 15, 2026 Witnesses cannot be: The person named as your healthcare agent. Witnesses must be at least 18 years old.
In Tennessee, notarization can serve as an alternative to witnesses for a healthcare proxy.Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-11-1803Verified Jul 15, 2026 Either witnesses or notarization satisfies the execution requirements.
Tennessee allows Remote Online Notarization (RON) for healthcare proxies.Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-11-1803Verified Jul 15, 2026 The notarization can be completed via secure video call with an approved RON provider. The state also accepts out-of-state RON.
To execute a healthcare proxy in Tennessee: Find 2 adults to serve as witnesses. Review witness restrictions to ensure eligibility. Get the document notarized (standard practice, not required). Remote notarization is available; whether the document itself may be signed electronically is unresolved
Yes. Tennessee has an explicit reciprocity statuteTenn. Code Ann. § 68-11-1803(h)Verified Jul 15, 2026: a healthcare directive executed in another state is honored in Tennessee if it was valid under the principal's domicile law. Tennessee Health Care Decisions Act (2004) modeled on UHCDA but not a formal adoption per ULC. Per Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-11-1803(h), an advance directive executed outside TN by a nonresident is valid if it complies with TN law or the laws of the state of the principal's residence — domicile-based, not place-of-execution-based. Title 34 Ch.6 Pt.2 has a parallel out-of-state provision at § 34-6-215. The document portability tool covers reciprocity rules in detail.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Serious Diagnosis
A serious diagnosis changes priorities. Healthcare proxies, financial powers of attorney, and the documents that ensure your wishes are honored.
Learn more
Moving to a New State
State laws vary significantly for wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. What to review after relocating to make sure your estate plan still works.
Learn more
Divorce
What divorce does and does not undo: beneficiary designations, your will, powers of attorney, and the one account your ex stays on until you change it.
Learn moreMore estate planning resources
Explore related tools and documents to complete your estate plan.
Last Will and Testament
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Pour-Over Will
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Financial Power of Attorney
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Revocable Living Trust
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Transfer on Death Deed
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?
See the true cost of estate planning. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys including life events like marriage, divorce, and having children.
How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
How Much Does a Will Cost?
Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.
When you're ready, we're here.
Tennessee Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Tennessee probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.