State-Specific Legal Forms

Tennessee quitclaim deeds must be signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary, and recorded with the Register of Deeds where the property is located. Tennessee imposes a transfer tax of $0.37 per $100 of consideration.

Tennessee has adopted the Uniform Durable Power of Attorney Act; powers of attorney must be signed by the principal and either notarized or witnessed by two competent adults. Recording is required for real estate transactions.

Tennessee requires a will to be signed by the testator and witnessed by two competent persons; holographic wills are recognized if entirely in the testator's handwriting and signed. Self-proving affidavits are permitted.

Tennessee's Health Care Decisions Act allows competent adults to execute an advance care plan directing withholding of life-sustaining treatment; the document must be signed by the declarant and either notarized or witnessed by two adults.

Tennessee's Revised Limited Liability Company Act permits members to adopt an operating agreement that may be oral or written; written agreements are recommended and not filed with the Secretary of State.

Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies in counties of 75,000 or more population; security deposits must be held in a separate account and returned within 30 days of termination.

Tennessee landlords must give a 14-day notice to pay rent or quit, a 14-day notice for lease violations (with 30 days to cure), and a 30-day notice for month-to-month termination in URLTA counties.

Tennessee General Sessions Court hears civil claims up to $25,000 (no limit for forcible entry/detainer); attorneys are permitted, and either party may appeal to Circuit Court for trial de novo.

Tennessee requires six months of residency before filing for divorce; the state recognizes both no-fault (irreconcilable differences) and fault grounds. Mandatory waiting periods are 60 days (no children) or 90 days (with children).

Tennessee adults file a name change petition in Chancery or Circuit Court; the petitioner must show good cause, undergo a background check, and the court issues an order after a hearing.

Tennessee general warranty deeds convey title with full covenants; the deed must be signed by the grantor and acknowledged before a notary before recording with the Register of Deeds. Transfer tax applies.

Tennessee requires a notarized bill of sale for vehicle transfers; the TN Department of Revenue Form RV-F1301201 is used, and notarization is mandatory for title transfer.

Tennessee enforces prenuptial agreements that are entered into knowledgeably, voluntarily, and with full financial disclosure; agreements must be in writing and signed before marriage. Spousal support waivers are enforceable.

Tennessee allows landlords to charge non-refundable application fees for credit and background checks; the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on protected classes.

Tennessee demand letters are pre-litigation tools used to demand payment, performance, or cure of a breach; not statutorily required for most actions but may be required under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.

Tennessee Rule 4.03 of the Rules of Civil Procedure requires proof of service for legal documents; affidavits must be signed by the server, notarized, and filed with the court of jurisdiction.

Tennessee promissory notes are governed by the UCC; the legal interest rate is 10% absent a written agreement, and judgment rate is 4% over the federal Fed Funds Target Rate. Usury caps apply to consumer loans.

Tennessee enforces NDAs that protect legitimate confidential business information; the Tennessee Uniform Trade Secrets Act provides additional remedies for misappropriation. Courts disfavor overly broad agreements.

Tennessee enforces non-competes that protect legitimate business interests, are reasonable in time and geography, and are supported by adequate consideration. Tennessee's Healthcare Provider Restrictions impose specific limits on physicians.

Tennessee permits modification of child support upon a significant variance (15% or more from guidelines); petitions are filed in the original court using state Income Shares guidelines. DHS Child Support Services may also pursue modifications.