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Questions Answered by Johnny Quitman Rasberry
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Family Law and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: If I completed my ordination online, can I officiate a wedding in the state of Tennessee?
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Apr 9, 2020

No. T.C.A. 36-3-301. Persons who may solemnize marriages.

(2) In order to solemnize the rite of matrimony, any such minister, preacher, pastor, priest, rabbi or other spiritual leader must be ordained or otherwise designated in conformity with the customs of a church, temple or other...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Tennessee on
Q: If a child is an adult now but there is arrears owed, can a one time cash settlement be made?

This is for a female family member that owes back support.

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Apr 1, 2020

It is not very likely that a negotiated settlement will be accepted if the state is involved. Arrears are arrears and only the total amount owed will satisfy the judgment.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: im 16 and want to go to a friends house but my mom said she'll call the cops on me, would they be able to do anything?

There has been a lot of fighting and yelling at my house and i want to get away for a few days but my mom said if i leave she will call the cops and have them bring me back home, like i said i am 16 and wanted to know if they can take me back home. My friends mom said she has no problem with me... View More

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 31, 2020

I am sorry for your having to go through this. However, yes your mother can call the cops. Also, your friend's mother could be could be charged with harboring a runaway which is a crime. Your friend's mother could file a petition for dependency and neglect if the abuse rises to that level.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: How does one go about filing a due process violation in Tennessee?
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 25, 2020

I am sorry, but your question needs a lot more detail to be address it.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody for Tennessee on
Q: If my wife left me with the kids when she walked out on me what can I do?
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 25, 2020

There are several things you can do, but I would recommend consulting with a local experienced family law attorney first. An attorney can help you file for divorce, get child support started, etc.

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody for Tennessee on
Q: Can you lose your kid cause of the baby sitter selling drugs even if you were unaware?

My son was took my his grandmother she got emergency custody cause she took pictures and said that the baby sitter was selling drugs . How can I regain custody

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 24, 2020

Ok, that is a little better. If Grandmother got custody, then it was a dependent and neglect petition for which you were entitled to both a preliminary hearing and the appointment of an attorney. You need to follow your attorney's advice.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Tennessee on
Q: I lost my son due to the baby sitter exchanging an item in her drive way is that a way I could lose my son

If I put him in a day care and fire the baby sitter could I regain custody

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 24, 2020

Your question is missing many details. Please resubmit your question with enough details to enable someone to respond.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Tennessee on
Q: My fiance's ex wife is keeping his son from him on his weekends due to the coronavirus. Is there anything we can do?

She is threatening him with child support court and saying he will be in jail all because he wants to see his son and she is scared he will catch the virus. She isn't allowing him to pick his son up this weekend and she didnt give him his 1/2 of spring break. This is not this first time she... View More

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 24, 2020

Ms. Emmack is correct.

Whether he has child support issues is irrelevant. If has has a parenting order giving him specific times, he needs to enforce it. He can retain counsel and bring a contempt if necessary.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Tennessee on
Q: Yes I work in the hospitality industry JW Marriott Nashville I’ve been furlough worried about making my child support ?

I don’t know what to do as a faithfully paying father of child support I don’t want to be in trouble over something out of my control

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 23, 2020

In order for the Court to hold you in contempt, it has be shown that you had the ability to pay and willfully failed to pay.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Tennessee on
Q: Can I have my case payments split between my kids father and I?

My mother had custody of my 2 daughters because I was incarcerated but when I got out of jail, I got full custody back. My mom received family first. Why does the child support office only come after me to pay the state back and not their father?

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 23, 2020

If the father has legitimated the children, then he should pay child support. If not, then a petition to establish paternity should be filed and child support ordered.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Tennessee on
Q: My ex-husband is threatening to take my child away from me because he missed nine days of school due to illness but he m

I always went to the school and picked up his work so that he wouldn't get behind and he had doctors notes

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 20, 2020

He can try, but if the issue is no greater than what you have stated, he would have a very weak case. I suggest you consult with an experienced local family law attorney to help you discern your best options.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Tennessee on
Q: Can you travel out of state after being charged with domestic violence in Tennessee?

This would be several hundred miles out of state. Not like Southaven or Olive Branch from Memphis.

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 20, 2020

You need to check your bail conditions. That issue should be addressed.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for Tennessee on
Q: How does an unmarried father reinstate parental rights when baby was placed for adoption in Tennessee?

A termination of parental rights was signed thru an agency before baby was born, upon realizing the child was his he has changed his mind and wants to father the child. He was not present when the birth certificate was signed. Mother can still revoke decision until 23rd but would rather not

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 20, 2020

He needs to register with the putative father registry. Information can be found at

https://www.tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/foster-care-and-adoption/fca/adoption-records/alleged-putative-fathers.html

He also needs to retain a seasoned local family law attorney, like yesterday.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: how can i force an inmate to give me a dna test in TN?

He's my dad. he murdered my mom. I have reason to believe he is not my biological father and want to know and if he is not then remove his name from my birth certificate and tell the state of TN he's been lying abt everything (even more than we knew already)

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 18, 2020

Depending on your age, you can file a petition to disestablish paternity. If you are not of age, another person, particularly another family member can file on your behalf as a "next friend." However, I do not advise taking such action without first consulting an experienced family law... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Divorce for Tennessee on
Q: I need a divorce. I have 3 children. Father/ husband hasn't been in the picture in 2 years or more. What are my options?
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 16, 2020

I suggest you retain a local family law attorney. If he has been absent for more than two years and there are children of the marriage you have grounds for abandonment. You probably have other grounds as well.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: I have a custody case in TN but I reside in FL, do I need to attain a TN lawyer ?

The children were taken to TN supoosed to be temporary for their fathers funeral but their older brother from a previous relationship from their father, is trying to keep them and get full custody . I signed a custody agreement that the grandfather made himself and had notarize that they will be... View More

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 12, 2020

You need to hire an experienced family law attorney from around Nashville. There are several issues presented in your question that you most likely cannot address without legal representation. I suspect a dependency and neglect petition has been filed against you. The burden of proof is high,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: 15 yes old being accused of theft but no prove? And now cop wants to charge him for pictures of girls on phone?
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 11, 2020

He needs the assistance of an experienced criminal law attorney.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: I am a father in the state of Tennessee wondering will the state of Tennessee allow me to give up my parental right
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 9, 2020

In Tennessee, you cannot voluntarily give up your parental rights. There are things that could happen to cause them to be involuntarily terminated, none of which are good.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Tennessee on
Q: I need to find out if I am married or not

my husband used a fake birth certificate and a fake social security card When we got married April 11 2003 in Burnsville NC and I found this out and I've not been able to find anyone that can help me I just need to know if I am married or do I need to get a divorce

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 8, 2020

Whether you want a divorce or annulment is yours. It is possible to bring either action with the assistance of an experienced family law attorney. Fraud can be the basis for either action, but there are many other things to take into consideration. Are there any minor children? What are the... View More

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