Do Minors Need an Estate Plan in Tennessee?

Estate planning is often viewed as a concern reserved for adults with substantial assets. However, questions sometimes arise about whether minors, who are under the age of 18, should have an estate plan. While Tennessee law places limits on what minors can legally do, it is still essential for families to understand the significance of estate planning for young people and how parents or guardians can help prepare them for the future.

What is an Estate Plan?

An estate plan is more than just a will. It includes a set of legal documents that outline how a person’s assets will be distributed, who will manage their affairs, and how healthcare or financial decisions should be handled if they are unable to make those choices themselves. Common estate planning tools include:

• Last Will and Testament – Directs how property is distributed after death
• Powers of Attorney – Appoint someone to handle finances or healthcare decisions
• Trusts – Hold and protect assets for future use

For minors, most of these documents cannot be legally created until the age of 18. Still, parents play a vital role in establishing protections for their children.

Why Estate Planning Still Matters for Minors

Even though someone under 18 cannot draft their own will or appoint an agent through a power of attorney, estate planning is still relevant. Here’s why:

• Guardianship Designations – Parents can use their own estate plan to name guardians who would care for minor children in the event of their passing.
• Trusts for Minors – Parents or grandparents can set up trusts to manage assets for a child until they reach adulthood.
• Health Care Directives at 18 – Once a teen turns 18, parents no longer have automatic authority to make medical decisions. Having healthcare powers of attorney in place at that stage is crucial.

In short, estate planning is less about what a minor can do for themselves and more about what parents and families can do to ensure their children are legally protected.

How an Attorney Can Help in Tennessee

An experienced estate planning attorney can explain Tennessee’s laws and help families set up the proper documents. Whether it’s creating a will that names guardians, setting up a trust for a child, or preparing the legal groundwork for a teenager approaching adulthood, a lawyer can provide guidance and peace of mind.

Protect Your Family’s Future

If you have children under 18, it’s never too early to think about how estate planning can safeguard their future. Attorney Judy Oxford in Brentwood, Tennessee, can help you create a plan that ensures your children are cared for and your wishes are honored. Contact us to schedule a consultation and start building the protections your family needs.