Family Law
Can a Child Ever Choose Which Parent to Live With?
In all child custody cases, the Tennessee family court system aims to do what is best for the children. When children are young, they typically have little or no say as to legal and physical custody decisions. Older children do have the right to voice their opinion. Courts generally listen to older children because they…
Read MoreThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Divorce
Almost every student needs some type of financial aid to attend a four-year college. Even the cost of two-year colleges and trade schools can be out of reach for many students unless they get financial assistance. Some college educations, including tuition and room and board, cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Financial aid companies examine…
Read MoreWhy You Need to Modify Your Child Custody Agreement Legally
Once a family law judge issues a child custody order, that agreement is legally binding and enforceable. This means both parents are obligated to follow the terms of the agreement unless a further modification is approved by the court. Of course, life and circumstances can change for one or both parties, as well as for…
Read MoreThe Role of Mental Health in Divorce, Custody, and Other Family Law Matters
People seek divorces for many reasons. Often finances and infidelity are prime reasons. One factor that is also a possible factor in divorce is the mental health of one of the spouses. There are various challenges in using the term “mental health” when it comes to issues of divorce. A spouse or parent who seeks…
Read MoreDrug Addiction and Its Impact on Child Custody Decisions in Tennessee
The opioid epidemic continues to devastate families throughout Tennessee. According to an article in The Tennessean, the opioid crisis has killed more people in the Volunteer State than traffic accidents, as three people die from drug overdoses every day. In 2017, more than 1,090 babies were born with neonatal abstinence syndrome to mothers addicted to…
Read MoreWhat Is a Guardian Ad Litem?
There are many different types of guardians. In some cases, the guardian is a close family relative. A guardian ad litem, however, is a little different. A court, when necessary, appoints a guardian ad litem (GAL) for a child when divorce or parental rights are at stake. The guardian should be a neutral third-party, which…
Read MoreCustody and Visitation Info for Stepparents in Tennessee
There is no blueprint that shows the perfect parent. Great parents come in all shapes, colors, sizes, and genders. Many great parents are biologically related to their children. Many great parents are not. In any family law issue, the ultimate and only goal should be the interest of the children. Sometimes a marriage, or a…
Read MoreHow Social Media Can Affect Your Divorce
Most people in America use social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and others, for pleasure and business. These websites are a lot of fun when life is going well – but they came be used against you if you’re going through a divorce. Information and pictures that are posted on social…
Read MoreIncreasing Numbers of Women are Now Paying Alimony and Child Support in Divorce
As more women play the role of breadwinner in the family, when those marriages end, those women are paying alimony and child support. According to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), more than half of the 1,650 attorneys participating in their poll reported seeing an increase in mothers paying alimony…
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions About Stepparent Adoption in Tennessee
Families fit so many diverse descriptions now. Many children have closely bonded relationships with their parent’s spouse as if that person was a legal parent. Sometimes families want to formalize this relationship through stepparent adoption. While stepparent adoptions are the most common type of adoption, it is not always the right choice for everyone. The…
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