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NOTICE UNDER TENNESSEE LAW — PLEASE READ

Jurist-Diction is not a law firm. We are not attorneys, and we do not practice

law or do law business as those terms are defined by Tenn. Code Ann. § 23-3-101.

Buying or using this document does not create an attorney-client relationship,

and nothing in it is legal advice.

What this is: a blank self-help legal form and general legal information,

published for you to complete and use yourself.

What we do not do — and cannot do:

• We do not choose which form or document is right for your situation.

That choice is yours.

• We do not fill in any blank for you and do not apply the law to your

facts. You complete every blank yourself.

• We do not review your circumstances, give an opinion on your case,

predict what a court will do, or tell you what you should do.

• We do not represent you. We do not appear for you or communicate with any

court, clerk, or opposing party on your behalf. You file your own papers.

Tennessee treats the exercise of a lawyer's professional judgment about a

specific person's legal problem as the practice of law. See In re Petition of

Burson, 909 S.W.2d 768 (Tenn. 1995). No one at Jurist-Diction exercises that

judgment about your matter, because doing so would be unlawful.

Only a licensed Tennessee attorney can advise you about your specific

situation. Free and reduced-cost legal help is listed at the end of this

document. Please consider using it before you file.

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Tennessee General Durable Power of Attorney — Your Filing Guide

What This Document Does

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that lets you choose someone you trust to make financial and property decisions for you. This is a "General Durable" Power of Attorney, which means:

• General: Your agent can handle almost all your financial matters
• Durable: It stays in effect even if you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions

When to Use This

Use this document if:

• You want someone to handle your finances if you become unable to do so
• You are planning for possible future incapacity
• You travel frequently and need someone to manage your affairs while away
• You are age 70 or older and want to protect yourself while maintaining control (under TN Code § 39-15-501, "elderly adult" means a person 70+ years of age)
• You have a disability and need help managing daily financial tasks

Who Should Be Your Agent?

Choose someone who:

• You trust completely with your money and property
• Is organized and responsible with finances
• Lives nearby or can easily handle your affairs
• Understands your wishes and values
• Is willing to serve as your agent

Who Should NOT Be Your Agent?

• Anyone who has financial problems or has mismanaged money
• Anyone who might benefit from your assets inappropriately
• Anyone you don't know well or have known for only a short time

Before You Sign

Gather these items:

• [ ] Full legal name and address of your chosen Agent
• [ ] Full legal name and address of a Successor Agent (backup)
• [ ] Your government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
• [ ] Access to a notary public (banks often provide this service free)
• [ ] Two witnesses (if required by your bank or institution)

Step-by-Step Execution

1. Read the entire document carefully. Make sure you understand every power you are granting.

1. Fill in all blanks. Replace all bracketed text with your real information:

• Your full legal name and address
• Your Agent's full legal name and address
• Successor Agent's name and address (optional but recommended)

1. Review the powers. The document grants 19 categories of powers. If you want to limit any powers, cross them out and initial beside the change before signing.

1. Sign in front of a notary.

• Do NOT sign until you are in front of the notary
• Bring your government-issued photo ID
• Sign exactly as your name appears in the document

1. Have the notary complete the acknowledgment section. The notary will:

• Verify your identity
• Watch you sign
• Apply their seal and signature

1. Make copies. Keep the original in a safe place. Give copies to:

• Your Agent
• Any banks or financial institutions where your Agent will act
• Your attorney (if you have one)

Where to Find a Notary

• Banks and credit unions (often free for customers)
• UPS Store or FedEx Office ($5–$15)
• County Clerk's office
• Law offices
• Some public libraries

What Your Agent Can Do

With this Power of Attorney, your Agent can:

• Access your bank accounts
• Pay your bills
• File your taxes
• Buy or sell property
• Manage investments
• Handle insurance claims
• Apply for government benefits
• Make gifts (within limits)

What Your Agent Cannot Do

Your Agent cannot:

• Make medical decisions for you (you need a separate Healthcare Power of Attorney)
• Change your will
• Act against your best interests
• Use your money for their own benefit
• Continue acting after your death

Revoking a Power of Attorney

You can revoke this Power of Attorney at any time by:

1. Writing "REVOKED" across the original document and signing and dating it
2. Creating a written revocation and having it notarized
3. Notifying your Agent in writing
4. Notifying all banks and institutions that have a copy

Key Tennessee Statutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does this POA become effective?

A: Immediately upon signing. It does not require a doctor's determination of incapacity.

Q: Does my Agent have to accept?

A: No. Your Agent can decline. That's why naming a Successor Agent is important.

Q: Can I have more than one Agent?

A: Yes. You can name co-agents who must act together, or name successor agents who act if the first cannot serve.

Q: Does this POA expire?

A: No, unless you specify an expiration date or revoke it. It ends automatically upon your death.

Q: Do I need to file this with the court?

A: Generally no. Some institutions may require you to record it with the county if real estate transactions are involved.

ELDER PROTECTION: Know Your Rights

If you are 70 or older, or if you have a disability, Tennessee law protects you from financial exploitation.

What is Financial Exploitation?

Under TN Code § 39-15-501, financial exploitation includes:

• Using deception, intimidation, or force to control your property
• A caregiver, guardian, or agent under a power of attorney misusing your money
• Taking your property without your consent

What to Do if You Suspect Abuse

Under TN Code § 39-15-502, financial exploitation is a crime punished one classification higher than theft. You have the right to:

• File a police report
• Request the court freeze the exploiter's assets
• Sue for recovery of your money and property

Report Suspected Abuse:

• Tennessee Adult Protective Services: 1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366)
• Available 24/7 — Calls are confidential
• Online Report: tn.gov/dcs/adult-services.html

Signs Your Agent May Be Misusing Your POA:

• Money missing from your accounts
• Unexplained withdrawals or transfers
• Bills not being paid
• Changes to your will or beneficiaries you didn't authorize
• Agent refuses to show you account statements

Legal Aid Resources

If you need free legal help:

• West Tennessee Legal Services: (901) 523-8822
• Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee: (800) 238-1443
• Legal Aid of East Tennessee: (423) 756-4013
• Tennessee Bar Association Lawyer Referral: (800) 899-6993
• Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability: (866) 836-6678 — Elder law specialists
• Find more: https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/find-legal-aid

Storage and Distribution

Disclaimer

This guide and the Power of Attorney form are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Powers of Attorney involve significant legal rights. For legal advice specific to your situation, contact a licensed Tennessee attorney or the legal aid organizations listed above.

Jurist-Diction is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. This is a blank self-help legal form and general legal information — you choose it, you complete it, and you file it. We do not select forms for you, fill in blanks for you, or apply the law to your facts. No attorney-client relationship is created. Only a licensed Tennessee attorney can advise you about your situation.