Why the Term “Standard Parenting” is Obsolete
The definition of "standard parenting" has finally been revised as part of the new Tennessee Child Support Guidelines. read more...
Payment for Private School Tuition Overturned
The Tennessee Court of Appeals recently considered a case where a father was ordered by a Trial Court to pay for private school tuition for a school he didn't want his daughter to attend, at double the cost of the school where he thought the child should be enrolled. read more...
Tennessee Restricts Judgments for Unpaid Child Support
23 May, 2017 by
Lawrence in Child Custody & Visitation, child support, Parental rights, Proposed laws
Starting July 1st, 2017, a new law in Tennessee says that a judgment for unpaid child support can not go back farther than five years of missed payments. Child support arrearages limited Why would the legislature do this? Shouldn’t deadbeat dads be required to support their children? ... read more...
Why You Can’t Terminate the Other Parent’s Rights
1 October, 2015 by
Lawrence in Child Custody & Visitation, Parental rights, Termination of parental rights
I get a lot of emails from a parent who wants to terminate the rights of the other parent of their child. It's almost always a mother wanting to terminate the parental rights of the father. Most often, I have to tell people that they simply cannot do what they want. Here's why. read more...
New Laws in Tennessee!
4 June, 2015 by
Lawrence in Child Custody & Visitation, child support, Divorce, marital property, Parental rights, Property Division
There are several new laws coming into effect in Tennessee that may be of interest to people involved in divorce, custody, or child support cases. SB101 / HB90 Forgiving accrued principal and interest on child support. Previously, child support was a requirement and any unpaid support ... read more...
Father Loses Battle for Equal Parenting Time
This case struck me as odd because the father really wanted equal parenting time with his kids, but the trial court only gave him 91 days per year. When he complained, the Appellate Court suggested that he not worry about it because even though the trial court only counted 91 days in the ... read more...
New Tennessee Law Clarifies Custody and Parental Rights
In the last legislative session, our lawmakers decided to clarify the factors that Tennessee family courts must consider when developing parenting schedules for parents of minor children. The lawmakers state in the bill that the prior factors caused “confusion and inconsistent ... read more...
Termination of Parental Rights Due to Abandonment
In Tennessee, a person's parental rights can be terminated if the parent fails to visit or support the children. These cases are very serious and this case summary is a pretty good example of how a court handles this issue. read more...
New Family Laws in Effect on July 1st, 2013 in Tennessee
Several new laws which effect divorce and custody cases take effect today. I'll post a brief summary of the most important bills. read more...
Recording Phone Calls Between a Child and the Other Parent
28 May, 2013 by
Lawrence in Child Custody & Visitation, Communication, Consultation with attorney, Divorce, Messed up people, Parental rights
Making recordings of a telephone calls between children and the other parent may seem like a good idea, but is it legal? Can the recordings be used at a divorce or custody hearing? Could you be arrested for making these recordings? The answer (as is common in everything involving the law) is ... read more...
