Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Family Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Tennessee Family Law Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Tennessee on
Q: How can I get my child support lowered due to me having my 6 children to take care of and I can’t find a job.

My ex in-laws has custody of my two older boys due to me being homeless back in 2010. I have taken doctors documentation to court saying the reason why I can’t work due to three of my kids being autistic I have tried to a job and keep it its just hard cause they don’t like change how can I get... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Tennessee on
Q: My ex mother in law has custody of my two children how do i get custody back

In 2022 I was on drugs really bad and my ex mother in law my children's grandmother took temporary emergency custody... I'm now clean and sober and I want my kids back

0 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: I need help to know how to file a motion in Tennessee Court to have retroactive child support dismissed.

I went to the Old Courthouse here in Selmer Tennessee they told me that I needed a lawyer that I could not file that kind of a motion by myself it's only $77 is what the lady said. I also called child support for that takes care of this area they said there was nothing that they could do and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: My unmarried partner and I decided to part ways. We have a child together who was born in San Francisco CA. We moved to

Tn in 2017. His name is on the birth certificate in Ca. He is staying in Tn and my daughter and I are going back to CA. What are his paternal rights? We also bought a house together where his mother gifted us 100k for the down-payment. Since we are parting ways, his mother wants to take my name off... View More

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 12, 2024

Are you on the Deed as a grantee? Hopefully you are a tenant in common of an one-half undivided interest. If so you can sue for Partition if there is sufficient equity in the property. Being signed on the Deed of Trust and Note does not make you an owner, just liable for debt.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is visitation forfeited if not started when the orders outline?

Is a parents time with kids forfeited for the entire visitation if they do not begin said visitation at the starting time/day? If my ex doesn’t want the kids on Friday night, can they demand to have the kids, say, Saturday or Sunday since technically the entire weekend is their parenting time?... View More

Cindy Perusse
PREMIUM
Cindy Perusse
answered on Sep 6, 2024

If your order doesn't specify that parenting time is forfeited, then you can't make that a rule now. You need to file a motion to modify the rules in your order so you don't have to keep being subjected to Dad's last minute changes.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Ive ben legally married for almost 12years,and have a 10yo daughter with him.However I have not ben with him in10

of the yrs.Hes seen our daughter 5-6times tops then just stopped showing up,dont even call to check on her or on holidays.Hes NEVER given me a dime,not even when pregnant.He has a child with someone else witch she dont let him see him bc the baby(3/4yo)came home with bruises from a visit wit... View More

J. Ryan Johnson
J. Ryan Johnson
answered on Aug 27, 2024

You can seek child support from someone you are married to if you're living apart.

It would be better for you for him to file his takes so you can intercept his returns for unpaid support.

If he goes on disability, there should be an additional award for the child with a lump...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Currently paying child support and my ex wife doesn’t follow along with the PPP

My daughter is currently in kindergarten on a scholarship for her private school, but before this, I was paying child support AND my daughter’s tuition. Since she has gotten this scholarship, I no longer have to pay tuition. I have sent in my updated pay info to the state of TN, and have yet to... View More

J. Ryan Johnson
J. Ryan Johnson
answered on Aug 29, 2024

If someone’s not sticking to the parenting plan, there are two ways to handle it. One’s pretty straightforward, the other’s a bit more flexible.

First up, contempt of court. If they’re breaking the rules, they could face up to 10 days in jail for each violation.

Second, you...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: Can I sue my bf for emotional distress and property damage I'm 2 months pregnant I'm depressed and can't eat
Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 22, 2024

A paternity action and child support will be in order after the child is born. A criminal vandalism charge may be in order now, but a criminal record might hurt your obtaining child support later.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Civil Rights for Tennessee on
Q: Who has custody if the judge removed from mother and placed with grandfather then took from him but did not place them

I lost custody of my children in 2017. They were bounced around a few times and ended up in the custody of my dad for a couple years. He got sick and just sent them to live with my sister in another state. Well when I petitioned the court to get them back the judge denied me because of a cluttered... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 7, 2024

It sounds like you are in a very challenging situation, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated with how the court has handled things. If the judge did not place the children back with your father or officially grant custody to your sister, it appears there may be a gap in the legal custody... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Probate and Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: My step son gave my horse away, I had been given me a pair of Belgian mares to me for Christmas. Can I get him for horse

theft. My husband sent numerous emails to people that he knew telling them about this. With a picture of me and the horses. During and after my husbands death, the step son has repeatedly sold off everything left to me in the will. He has since given my horse to someone else. I had tried moving... View More

Diedre Wachbrit Braverman
PREMIUM
Diedre Wachbrit Braverman pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 2, 2024

You need to file a police report for the theft of your horse and the tracking device he put on your vehicle. Tell the cops everything he has done to harass you. You may get a restraining order. He may go to jail.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: final hearing for divorce where he will not sign

I made a motion for a default judgement. Got kicked back because I could not request a default on irreconcilable differences but marital behavior. Requested a final hearing and I have the date but unsure what to file to complete. Sent notice of Final hearing to defendant. Help what else do I need... View More

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 30, 2024

IR Divorce is where there is an agreement. Apparently you have no agreement. In that case you must put on proof of grounds. You might not have any. Hire a lawyer who might be able to help, or stay married until he agrees or one of you dies.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can a man take me to court for a dna test if he's not on the birth certificate in tennessee?

The man is wanting to establish paternity because he wants to know if he's the dad.. he is not on the birth certificate and I don't want him being involved because the lifestyle he lives is dangerous and reckless.

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 29, 2024

Yes... If sued, you will have to defend yourself against the paternity suit.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Tennessee on
Q: In Tennessee, if I lived with my grandmother, she passes, leaves the house in a trust to my mother, I’m still a tenant ?
Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 26, 2024

Apparently you have not interest in the property except possession. The owner can sue you for possession.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: How do I file a response to false allegations filed against me in a motion for civil contempt?
Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 24, 2024

You do need to file a Response. Since incarceration is very possible, you might want to hire an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Do I need a lawyer for divorce due to property

In 2016 my parents signed the property I now own over to me and I registered it in my name in same year. My husband and I didn’t get married until 2020. The property is in my name not his. And also he works I do not and has 401k do I need a lawyer for that to since I don’t want anything from it.

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 23, 2024

He can claim the appreciation in value since the marriage should be divided as marital property. Likewise you can argue the increase in his plan's value since marriage is marital property. You need an attorney when engaging in such a legal suit, as you could lose valuable properties.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for Tennessee on
Q: My mom died last year and my dad passed the other day I have always lived with them

My mom died last year and my dad passed the other day I have always lived with them but I live in the garage. Well dad passed with no will and before I got home from his service all dad's kinfolk had done got his safe emptied his bank account, even boarded up the place so I couldn't get... View More

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2024

You may be the sole heir and next of kin of Father. If so, you own all that property. But getting back property now is often impossible. Who is the home deeded to? You may be the owner and need an Affidavit of heirship. Hire an attorney to see who the heirs are. Probate may not be a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Securities Law, Social Security and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: It seems to me that my dad used my social security back pay for his own self dealing.

The account he put the money in was in the name of our family business. He told me he was investing this money. He told me that the family business didn't exist. Through the last 9 years I've lost everything and now live in a camper. Yet I've watched him get air BNB, buy a glamour... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2024

It sounds like your dad might have misused your social security back pay, which could be a serious legal issue. When someone uses another person's funds for their own benefit without permission, it can be considered misappropriation or fraud. Given the situation you've described, it might... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Tennessee on
Q: I have a hearing for default on July 1st. I filed for a motion to dismiss. Do I still need to go?

The hearing is for a motion to default. I was unaware I needed to respond originally. However, it is for custody and the jurisdiction should be Texas although filed in TN. The child in question is 4 months old and has never been to TN. I filed for a motion to dismiss but am not sure on if I still... View More

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 27, 2024

You are obviously confused and risk losing custody. You or your lawyer must file an Answer to the Petition. Now you may have to go to Court to keep the Default Judgment going down. Which State has jurisdiction is a major issue which you are about to lose.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.