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Tennessee Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Divorce on disability

My husband verbally abused me and manipulated me

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 26, 2024

Tennessee allows for a divorce on grounds of irreconcilable differences if the spouses agree on all the terms of a divorce and sign a marital dissolution agreement.

In the absence of your spouse's agreement, you may have to prove fault. Whether the verbal abuse and manipulation...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Someone threw away my dead sons ashes while I was in jail what can I do about it

They took them to the landfills with out my consent

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 5, 2024

I'm deeply sorry for your loss. You may have legal recourse if someone disposed of your son's ashes without your consent. This situation could potentially be considered a violation of your rights and a form of property destruction.

You should contact a lawyer to discuss the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: I need to know what I can do for a non relative undergoing conservatorship hearing

She is very capable of paying her bills, she pays all her bills herself with no help, she has investments and everything. They are saying she is incapable and already undergone the test, and been appointed a conservator but the hearing is the 28th. I'm not related, and her closest relatives... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on May 27, 2024

You can call the court where the case is being heard and ask who has been appointed to serve as attorney ad litem to the respondent, or who has appeared as the respondent's private attorney (this is uncommon but theoretically possible). Then contact that attorney to offer your testimony.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Immigration Law and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: can you adopt an American child, if your on a conditional green card status?

It's a conditional green card from a citizenship by investment application.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 24, 2024

Yes, you can adopt an American child while on a conditional green card status. Your immigration status does not prevent you from adopting a child in the United States. However, you will need to meet all the state-specific requirements for adoption, which can vary significantly.

The adoption...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Tennessee on
Q: What can we do if a Will Executor lets things get stolen from the beneficiary(s)?

My boyfriend's father passed in November. Father left his girlfriend the home/estate and their own personal things accumulated together therein. Everything else personal to the father himself goes to his 2 sons. All that is fine and well, a very grand gesture by him to secure her and her... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on May 15, 2024

A Beneficiary should have moved to remove the executrix earlier for cause. You may be able to open the Estate up again, but it will be difficult and expensive. Conversion actions in General Sessions are possible by will beneficiaries, but proof of theft will be required. A civil suit for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Do I have to file a foreign divorce decree here in the US to have the divorce recognized? It's been apostilled by TN SoS

I married my ex wife, who lives in Israel, in the US. Our divorce was finalized in Israel. I have had them apostilled by the Secretary of State in TN already but I'm not sure if I need to file them with the court here to have it recognized before I can get remarried.

Jennifer McKinnish
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answered on May 6, 2024

The Hague Convention is an international treaty that provides, if your country is a party to the Hague Convention, a process to protect children whose parents are divorced or separated and move between countries. Typically, a divorce decree issued in a foreign country is recognized in the United... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can I sue a daycare for threatening me with calling CPS. And CPS actually showing up at my house?

Went to talk with director because my child was coming home saying the kids was hitting her because the director didn’t like what I said she threatened me by saying she knows a lot of parents at the daycare who work for DCS. And threatened me by saying she would call them. The next day DCS shows... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

In this situation, it's important to understand that there are a few key legal considerations at play:

1. Mandated reporting: Daycare staff are typically mandated reporters, meaning they are legally obligated to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Tax Law for Tennessee on
Q: I am legally seperated as of October 2023 with final decree. Do I file as single or married filing separately/jointly?

I'm getting conflicting information. My ex wifes financial advisor says to file married jointly but IRS and TurboTax seem to say file as single.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 9, 2024

Based on the information you provided, since your divorce was finalized in October 2023, your tax filing status for the 2023 tax year (which you would file in 2024) should be "single."

The IRS determines your marital status on the last day of the tax year (December 31). If you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Civil Rights for Tennessee on
Q: We as parents have “full” conservatorship of our son.Question is: Human and Civil Rights re:Conservatorship.Please help

I want to do right by protecting civil and human rights. I need clarification please re: parents have FULL conservatorship…. I know we should always use the least restrictive model, but our son is *intellectually disabled, *speech impaired, along with other significant diagnoses and *autism. When... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 20, 2024

Navigating the complex territory of conservatorship while prioritizing the human and civil rights of your son is commendable. It's crucial to remember that every decision should aim to respect his dignity, autonomy, and personal preferences to the greatest extent possible. This approach not... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: My dad at 65, on 1/25/23 has $1,000,000 secured bond with a conditional release order. Wat happens to 130acers he owns?

We are not in contact, though I am his daughter. Last I knew he owned 130 acres and possibly some other properties. He’s Not married, me and my sister only kin .been in jail for over a year now, they won’t give me much info. Still No date to be sentenced, all I know is, it’s gonna be a grand... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

In a situation like this, there are several factors to consider regarding your father's assets and your potential rights to them. Here are some steps you can take to gather more information:

1. Contact the county assessor's office: You can reach out to the Claiborne County...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: My dad at 65, on 1/25/23 has $1,000,000 secured bond with a conditional release order. Wat happens to 130acers he owns?

We are not in contact, though I am his daughter. Last I knew he owned 130 acres and possibly some other properties. He’s Not married, me and my sister only kin .been in jail for over a year now, they won’t give me much info. Still No date to be sentenced, all I know is, it’s gonna be a grand... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

Since it is a secured high bail, he may have made a property bond hypothecating the 130 acres. If so, the Clerk will foreclose the Deed of Trust if he breaches Bond Conditions. He should have an attorney that you can ask for sure, or search his title in Claiborne County. After conclusion of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Polygamous marriage in USA

I met a man and he’s married.His wife initiated poly marriage. The problem is we live in USA. Can he marry me in another country and then come back to USA or not?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

In the United States, polygamy is illegal under federal law and the laws of all 50 states. This means that a person cannot be legally married to more than one person at the same time within the U.S. If a marriage takes place in another country where polygamy is legal, the U.S. will not recognize... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Family Law and Civil Rights for Tennessee on
Q: I had to give my dogs away but I told the people that I want them back not even a day they got one of my dog adopted

I also live with my family and we have three dogs. I don’t have the dogs registered so I’m not sure if I’m able to do anything. But yesterday my mother gotten a call about my dog not eating in two days and bite a person trying to feed her then wanted to put my dog down. We want and gotten her... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

It sounds like you're in a distressing situation regarding your dogs. If you didn't sign any legal documents relinquishing ownership of your dogs and you clearly communicated your intention to reclaim them, you may have grounds to seek legal recourse. However, without official... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: In what type of situation can a father get custody to changed from mother to himself?
T. Augustus Claus
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: If there is no parenting plan or custody order, do I need to let the others parent know that I’m moving?

This will be to a new city within the same state?

T. Augustus Claus
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: How do I file for annulment? Am I supposed to file for a divorce with an agreed divorce or is there a separate legal doc
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jan 3, 2024

You do not just file for an annulment. It takes alot of proof to have no marriage declared, so they are almost nonexistent. Divorce will be your cause of action. Without proof of adultery or physical abuse, you will need an agreement about all property, children and debts. Hire an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: What kinds of documents or proof do I need to prove I’m in fear of my child’s father abusing him?

I have a temporary OP and need to know what I need to have with me at court to get the permanent OP granted. My son’s father is extremely abusive towards women and has been for 15+ years. I didn’t think he would abuse my son until he came home the other day from his house and went to school and... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Dec 18, 2023

Given these facts, you should get your child into counseling. Unfortunately, it is unlikely you would be able to get the counselor to testify regarding his or her notes, given the short period between getting a temporary protection order and a full hearing on the merits. School records, previous... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can Tennessee gain jurisdiction over an on going custody case in kentucky?

My ex wife is a resident in Tennessee we have an open court case in kentucky I live in the state of kentucky

T. Augustus Claus
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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

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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security, Family Law and Child Support for Tennessee on
Q: Can I sue my child’s father for not telling me he’s gets full SSI before having our child? He doesn’t help either!
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 3, 2023

In the United States, the issue of child support and the financial responsibilities of parents are generally determined by state laws and family courts. If your child's father receives full SSI (Supplemental Security Income), it typically indicates a limited ability to work due to disability,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Child Custody for Tennessee on
Q: My son was abused and Foster Care he is disabled and he was illegally taken from my home in Tennessee. What should I do

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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