Legal Insights that Matter
Understanding Orders of Protection: A Guide from a Knoxville Divorce Attorney
For individuals facing domestic abuse, stalking, or harassment, an Order of Protection is one of the most important legal tools available under Tennessee law. Whether raised in the context of a divorce, child custody dispute, or a broader family law matter, these orders can play a critical role in ensuring...
Continued Violations of Parenting Plan Leads to Jail Time
A Complex Custody Battle in Carter County In a recent case from Carter County, Tennessee, Emily Hughes ("Mother") and Lucas Hughes ("Father") found themselves back in court despite finalizing their divorce and agreeing to a permanent parenting plan in 2019. This time, the dispute revolved around allegations of contempt, primarily...
Modification and Attorney’s Fees
In many jurisdictions, the statutory framework provides a basis for awarding attorney's fees in family law matters. For example, Tennessee Code Annotated section 36-5-103(c) allows for the recovery of reasonable attorney's fees by the prevailing party in any proceeding to enforce, alter, change, or modify child custody, child support, or...
Parental Relocation Best Interest Factors
In family law, the issue of parental relocation can be one of the most contentious and complex matters to address. This blog delves into a recent case where a mother sought to relocate with her minor child, facing opposition from the child's father. Understanding the statutory framework and the court's...
Changing a Child’s Surname in Custody Disputes
The Complexities of Changing a Child's Surname in Custody Disputes In a recent Tennessee case, the court faced the delicate issue of whether a child's surname should be changed. The case highlights the numerous factors considered in such decisions, focusing on the best interests of the child. Background The parents,...
Is a Legal Separation Right For You?
In the legal context, Section 36-4-102 allows a person who has grounds for divorce to instead file for a legal separation, sometimes known as "divorce from bed and board." If the other party does not object, the court is required to declare the couple legally separated. Even if a legal...
Short-Term Marriages: What They Mean in Divorce
When a marriage lasts only a few years—typically under five—it’s often considered "short-term" in family law. The classification of a marriage as short-term can influence how courts approach divorce, particularly when dividing assets or awarding alimony. In many cases, the goal is to restore each spouse to their pre-marriage financial...
Types of Divorce in Tennessee: Two Reasons for No-Fault Divorces
In 2022, there were three divorces for every 1,000 members of the population (1). If you are looking into whether this option is right for you, you aren’t alone. There are two areas that are grounds for divorce in the State of Tennessee which fall under no-fault category. To...
Grounds for Divorce: Physical or Emotional Conditions
Is your partner creating a hostile environment, living with an addiction, or experiencing a health condition that affects your ability to have a family? In this article we will break down the physical or emotional conditions that can apply to a fault-based divorce. There are three primary conditions that establish...
How to Navigate Divorce: Key Legal Steps and Emotional Support
Divorce is a life-altering event that can be both emotionally draining and legally complex. Whether you're seeking a divorce or are already in the midst of one, understanding the legal steps involved can help make the process smoother. But it’s just as important to consider the emotional support you’ll need...