Get free answers to your Child Custody legal questions from lawyers in your area.
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

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
He knocked my tooth out, knowingly, intentionally,and purposely burned me with a cigarette and then kidnapped my children, which I should have had all custody rights to because we were not married and I have been trying to get my children back ever since, this man has stolen 400$ off my bank card,... View More

answered on Jun 10, 2024
I'm really sorry to hear about the situation you're facing. No one should be immune from the consequences of domestic violence, and your ex should be held accountable for his actions. If you have already taken out domestic violence paperwork, such as a restraining order, and it has not... View More
I was ordered to supervised by a third party agency visitation. It is$75 for a one hour visit. Resulting in unnecessary financial strain on me if I want to visit my child. How is this legal?!

answered on Apr 6, 2024
It depends. While true, that interference with parental rights is interference with one of the fundamental sticks in the bundle that composes our liberty interests, the rights of the child to be safe and secure also must be weighed against the parents rights. There shouldn’t be supervised... View More

answered on Jan 11, 2024
In Tennessee, a father seeking to change custody from the mother to himself would generally need to demonstrate a substantial and material change in circumstances that directly affects the child's well-being. The court's primary consideration is the best interests of the child. Situations... View More
This will be to a new city within the same state?

answered on Jan 10, 2024
In Tennessee, if there is no existing parenting plan or custody order in place, and you plan to move to a new city within the same state, you may not be legally required to inform the other parent about the move. However, it is generally advisable to communicate openly and honestly with the other... View More
My ex wife is a resident in Tennessee we have an open court case in kentucky I live in the state of kentucky

answered on Dec 14, 2023
Whether Tennessee can establish jurisdiction over an ongoing custody case in Kentucky depends on factors governed by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). Typically, the state where the child has lived for the past six months holds jurisdiction as the home state. In... View More
Unfortunately I have a lot of legal issues that I can't get resolved being 62 and disabled. My son was 15 at 5 years old he was in a wheelchair with SMA or needs for not being met and we were being denied assistance and or help for 13 years. I am on SSDI and my son draws off on my benefits.... View More

answered on Nov 28, 2023
I'm very sorry to hear about this terrible situation with your son. You and your son were clearly denied rights and appropriate care. In terms of recourse, I would recommend taking these steps:
1. Consult with a civil rights attorney regarding potential ADA violations and... View More
I need advice on responding to a restraining order filed against me based on hearsay and assumptions, which led to my children being taken away. I believe the claims are baseless and non-factual. I've received the official notice of the restraining order, and I'm concerned about... View More

answered on Apr 18, 2025
Good Morning:
A hearing has been scheduled regarding your case. You need to retain a lawyer .
I am a 17-year-old living in Tennessee with my dad, who has full custody. I live in a mentally abusive home and have struggled with suicidal thoughts. My plan is to move in with my mom, who is willing to support me, and continue my education while finding a job. Social services are involved due to... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Tennessee, emancipation is possible for minors under certain circumstances, but it is not an easy process. To be emancipated, you must prove that you can support yourself financially and that living independently would be in your best interest. The court will likely consider the abuse you’re... View More
Is there a way for me to obtain emergency custody of my son before 6:00 p.m. today? We currently have a court order stating that we alternate custody every other week. His mother, who was indicted for sexual assault by an authority figure and has not yet been charged, neglects her children, as... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
If you are concerned about your son's immediate safety due to neglect and the potential for his mother to flee, you can take steps to seek emergency custody. Given the severity of the situation, contacting the court for an emergency hearing is one of the quickest ways to address the issue. The... View More
I am a resident of Illinois and I have a daughter whose mother recently passed away in Tennessee. Since her mother’s passing, my daughter’s grandmother took her to Kentucky without informing me, and she refuses to communicate with me. My name is on my daughter’s birth certificate, and she has... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
You have parental rights as your daughter's father, especially since your name is on her birth certificate and you have provided consistent support, including insurance coverage. Although there's no formal custody agreement, legally, the grandmother cannot simply take your daughter and... View More
I want to file a motion to transfer child custody jurisdiction from California to Tennessee. The child has lived in Tennessee since July 2024, following a court order in May 2024 due to the mother being charged with child neglect. I (the father) have lived in Tennessee for 10 years. The child’s... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
To transfer custody jurisdiction from California to Tennessee, you’ll need to initiate what’s called a *UCCJEA transfer*—based on the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, which both states follow. Since your child has been living in Tennessee for over six months, you can... View More
Are there any pro bono lawyers available to help me, a mother seeking visitation rights with my children in Hendersonville, TN? Although there is a parenting plan in place, the father has blocked my calls for about six months and only recently enforced child support after previously agreeing not... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
It’s understandable that you’re seeking assistance to address the visitation rights issue with your children. In Tennessee, you may be able to find a pro bono lawyer or access legal aid services to help with your case, especially if you cannot afford a private attorney. Local organizations like... View More
My son's ex-girlfriend lost custody of two of her children and now claims it is court-ordered for them to establish child support at the child support office. They have one child together, and he has always participated in a 50/50 arrangement, contributing to clothes, school supplies, and... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
If your son has been following a 50/50 arrangement and has not received any formal court orders regarding child support, he is not obligated to participate in any child support meetings unless there is an official legal directive. Child support is typically established through a court order, and if... View More
I have started a process for an order of protection through a family safety agency and am seeking legal assistance for court representation and a custody dispute. My ex-husband has been surveilling my property multiple times a week. Although he hasn’t been served with the protection order, he... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
It’s good that you’ve started the process for an order of protection and are seeking legal assistance. Given the harassment and surveillance you’re facing, it’s important to document everything, including dates, times, and details of each incident. This will help build your case when... View More
I am a parent with active parental rights, but the custodial grandparent has had an active order of protection against me since 2022. I was incarcerated in 2021 for non-custodial interference and possession of drugs. Since my release in 2023, I have completed programs in two halfway houses, am now... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
Based on Tennessee family law, your situation involves navigating both the order of protection and parental rights frameworks. In Tennessee, you can petition the court for visitation despite an existing order of protection by filing a petition to establish or modify a parenting plan in the... View More
My child's father's mother has full custody of our daughter. I currently pay child support based solely on my income, not the father's. The father's support was reduced without my presence in court, based on a verbal communication from him. He is employed at a halfway house... View More

answered on Mar 16, 2025
File a motion to modify your child support with the Court that ordered you to pay.
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.

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.
I am concerned about my ex-husband's new fiancée, who is a meth addict, being around my daughter during visitations every other weekend. His fiancée's ex-husband has threatened to kill my daughter and myself, and he knows where she lives. I have told my ex that she should not be around... View More

answered on Feb 25, 2025
In whatever Court there is an order for visitation, make a motion to modify the order to prevent contact with her.
After the sale of the marital home Judge Robinson of Davidson County ordered that the funds be placed in the bank account of my attorney instead of dispursed to me and my spouse. Is this legal?
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free 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 Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, 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.