Legal & Financial
Elder law attorneys, estate planning, advance directives
Elder law attorneys handle advance directives, powers of attorney, wills, trusts, Medicaid planning, and guardianship. Financial advisors for seniors help with long-term care insurance, Medicare, asset protection, and veterans' benefits. Tennessee has specific requirements for these documents. Working with an attorney who specializes in elder law — not just general practice — ensures they are done correctly and will hold up when needed most.
What to look for when choosing a provider
For attorneys: look for NAELA (National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys) membership.
Understand the fee structure upfront: flat fees vs. hourly rates.
Confirm the attorney is licensed in Tennessee and familiar with Tennessee Medicaid rules.
For financial advisors: require fiduciary duty — they must act in your interest, not earn commissions.
Ask specifically about Tennessee Medicaid planning if long-term care costs are a concern.
Elder Law of Nashville
Dedicated elder law firm with deep expertise in Tennessee Medicaid planning, asset protection, and estate planning. If you're concerned about the cost of long-term care and protecting family assets, this firm is a strong starting point.
Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison
Established Nashville law firm with a respected estate planning and elder law practice. Good for families with more complex estates or business interests that need to be addressed alongside elder care planning.
Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS)
Free legal assistance for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. If cost is a barrier to getting proper legal documents in place, TALS can help. They assist with advance directives, powers of attorney, and basic estate planning.
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis
Major Nashville law firm with a strong healthcare and estate planning practice. Best suited for families with significant assets or complex healthcare business interests that intersect with estate planning.
Tennessee State Planning & Elder Law Center
Boutique elder law firm focused exclusively on seniors and their families. Known for patient, thorough explanations — they take the time to make sure families understand what they're signing and why it matters.
AARP Tennessee — BenefitsCheckUp
Free resource to identify government benefits your loved one may be eligible for but not receiving. Many seniors leave significant money on the table. This is a good first step before engaging paid advisors.
Tennessee End-of-Life Documents: What You Need and Why
Advance directives, powers of attorney, wills — explained in plain English for Tennessee families.
Read the guide