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Tennessee Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Employment Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can I be drug tested whenever my granddaughter's mother does something?

I have custody of my granddaughter, and every time her mother does something, I am subjected to a drug test. Is this allowed? I have not received any documentation explaining why this is happening, nor have I sought legal advice regarding these tests.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 12, 2025

Without a warrant DCS cannot force you to give a drug test. But if you refuse, DCS will probably make an emergency motion to remove the child from your custody.

2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Family Law and Civil Litigation for Tennessee on
Q: Can DHS restrict me from my granddaughter over alleged drug test failure?

DHS recently conducted a drug screen, and I was informed that I failed it due to suspected meth usage. At the time of the test, I was ill and taking cough syrup, which they were aware of. As a result, I was told I couldn't be around my granddaughter. I never received written results, and... View More

Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
answered on Mar 12, 2025

Yes.

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0 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Family Law and Child Support for Tennessee on
Q: Does my partner need the biological father's consent to adopt my daughter in TN?

I have a daughter who is 8 years old, and her biological father is not listed on the birth certificate. Although he acknowledges her as his daughter, he has never provided any support or been involved legally. My partner and I are planning to get married, and he wishes to adopt her. Do we need the... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Tennessee on
Q: How can I obtain denied legal records from RC3 gym amidst potential local conflicts of interest?

I was a member of RC3, a non-profit gym, where I faced several issues including inappropriate behavior by gym staff and insufficient management response. After being banned from RC3 and another gym based on allegations of threatening behavior—which I dispute—I sought to obtain dispatch records... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is it legal for a restaurant to keep my tips and deduct credit card fees from servers in TN?

I live in Tennessee and work as a manager at a restaurant. Despite being on a meager salary, I am required to wait tables while working as the Manager on Duty, but the owner keeps my tips. I work 30 to 40 hours a week and handle responsibilities such as liquor orders, dealing with customer... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can I receive relief from weapons disability in Tennessee after a conviction in Florida?

I'm currently serving my sentence in Maine for a conspiracy to commit first-degree murder from 2015 in Florida. I have no other convictions on my record before or after. I'll be released in June, and I plan to return to Tennessee, where I have lived most of my life. I'm seeking to... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 11, 2025

No...However there are numerous weapons you can own. There are all kinds of muzzleloaders which are very effective. Contact an NRA referred attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Contracts and Employment Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can a non-compete be voided due to an employer breach in bail bonding?

I'm an employee in the bail bonding industry, and I'm considering starting my own business. However, I am bound by a non-compete agreement with my current employer, which restricts me for 2 years. I'm concerned about how it may affect my plans. Additionally, can the non-compete be... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 11, 2025

Probably not as a breach of one term of a contract rarely vitiates the entire contract. If you go into business, expect to be sued and defend yourself.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Tennessee on
Q: Will a first-time offender in Tennessee serve jail time for vandalism over $2,000 and probation violation?

If someone in Tennessee, who is a first-time offender aged 48, is arrested for vandalism involving damages over $2,000, violating probation (details unknown), and driving fast to avoid a police stop, would they likely serve jail time?

Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
answered on Mar 11, 2025

If you are a first time offender, you may want to discuss diversion with your criminal lawyer.

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0 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Will new TN law void my 2021 first-cousin marriage license?

I am concerned about the status of my marriage. My cousin and I, both first cousins, got married in Tennessee after obtaining a marriage license in 2021. Recently, a new law was introduced stating that first-cousin marriages are not allowed after April 2024. Will this new law void our existing... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Public Benefits and Social Security for Tennessee on
Q: Will my SSI rate change if I move from Illinois to Tennessee?

I am currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at a rate of $311 and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at a rate of $676 in Illinois. I live alone and am considering moving to Tennessee. Would my SSI rate change if I move to another state like Tennessee?

0 Answers | Asked in Libel & Slander and Civil Rights for Tennessee on
Q: How to address social media defamation affecting my career?

I'm dealing with an ex who is making false and defamatory posts on social media concerning the death of one of my children, implicating me and slandering my character. This includes tagging my hairstylist and posting numerous times, which has affected my reputation in the medical field, where... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Child Support and Traffic Tickets for Tennessee on
Q: Is driver's license suspension for unpaid child support legal in Tennessee?

I am facing a situation in Tennessee where my driver's license has been suspended due to unpaid child support. Despite my financial hardship and lack of legal representation, the child support organization refuses to reinstate my driving privileges. I believe this action infringes on my rights... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 10, 2025

TNDL suspension is a statutory sanction for non payment of CS. Driving is not a right but a privilege. If you have a job and owe alot of CS, you might talk to a CH 13 Bankruptcy attorney. I have seen this cure the problem in 5 years while the the DL is conditionally reinstated.

0 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Business Formation and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: Need lawyer for LLC contracts and equity arrangements.

I am seeking a lawyer to assist with contracts and legal opinions for my LLC, particularly concerning equity arrangements until we secure an investor or launch our exclusive coffee club this September. We are almost out of cash but offer dividend-paying equity until then. We will continue to use... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Tennessee on
Q: How can I retrieve my ESA dog from my ex in TN?

I am trying to retrieve my emotional support animal (ESA) dog from my ex, who has had her for the past two months. I have the dog's vet information in my name, and she is registered as my ESA. I also have text messages from my mother-in-law indicating they wouldn't keep the dog from me,... View More

Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
answered on Mar 10, 2025

Have the attorney that you hired file a Motion with the court.

0 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can I charge storage fee or sell unclaimed roll-off dumpster?

I have a roll-off dumpster that a lien holder was supposed to pick up on November 24, but they never showed up. I have contacted them multiple times, and they keep saying they are coming to retrieve it but haven't done so. How long do they have to retrieve their property? Am I allowed to... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Civil Litigation and Education Law for Tennessee on
Q: How can I regain custody of my son taken due to truancy?

I'm seeking advice on how to address the situation with my son, who was taken from my care just before he turned 17 due to truancy issues related to bullying and mental health challenges. The court's decision didn't fully consider his struggles with anxiety and bullying, and I'm... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Municipal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can police tell us to leave a court square parking after hours?

My friends and I were sitting and talking in the parking lot at our county court square, which has no signs indicating any restrictions, after hours. We've done this for years, but recently the city police told us to leave. Is this permissible?

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Tennessee on
Q: Options for inmate's release after technical violations.

I am seeking options for an inmate's release after a third technical violation on community corrections. The inmate had a motion to suppress granted due to a lack of probable cause, which dismissed a previous charge. The latest violation occurred due to issues with home placement leading to... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, DUI / DWI and Federal Crimes for Tennessee on
Q: Is it legal to be on probation for 20 years for a 9-year sentence with continual restarts?

I'm currently facing a situation in Washington County, TN, where my probation period has been repeatedly extended and restarted. Originally sentenced to a 9-year term, the judge stated that I am to complete these 9 years either on probation or in prison. The extensions have been due to various... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: Will I be allowed in the courtroom when my girlfriend goes to court?

My girlfriend and I have been together for 8 months going on 9. I want some sort of answer to whether I can be there for her or not.

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