Tennessee Code Title 8. Public Officers and Employees § 8-36-126

(a) No benefit payable to a minor child under chapters 34-37 of this title shall be made until the guardian of such child has provided the retirement division with documentation establishing such guardianship. In the case of a parent, the documentation may consist of the child's birth certificate or record of adoption, whichever is applicable, and a certified statement from the parent that the parent is the legal guardian of the minor child. The retirement division shall be entitled to rely on such documentation and shall not be liable for damages or other payments by reason of any payment made in reliance thereon.

(b) Notwithstanding this section or any other law to the contrary, if the member designated a custodian pursuant to the Tennessee Uniform Transfers to Minors Act, compiled in title 35, chapter 7, part 2, to receive benefits payable to a minor child under chapters 34-37 of this title and such designation was made in writing and on file with the retirement division, the benefits payable to such minor shall be made in the name of the minor and paid to the designated custodian pursuant to the Tennessee Uniform Transfers to Minors Act.