Tennessee courts make child custody decisions with the best interests of the child at the forefront. Understanding this process is if you are going through a separation or divorce and have children involved. Reviewing the key factors can help you prepare for an...
How protective orders affect child custody in a divorce
Divorce is always difficult, but going through one as a victim of domestic violence can be even more daunting, especially with children involved. In Tennessee alone close to 70,000 domestic violence cases are reported each year. These cases usually require protective...
3 components to include in a simple Tennessee estate plan
Estate planning helps ensure that your assets undergo distribution according to your wishes when you die. In Tennessee, a basic estate plan includes several key elements that help protect your family, your assets and your interests. When drafting your estate plan, be...
How do you know it is time to file for divorce in Tennessee?
Recognizing the right moment to file for divorce is both a deeply personal and complex journey. Marriage, a union that begins with love and shared dreams, can sometimes evolve into a relationship that feels unrecognizable. Many couples grapple with the emotional...
What grandparents should know about adopting their grandchildren
Adopting a grandchild in Tennessee is a significant and compassionate step that some grandparents choose to take. Perhaps circumstances have arisen where it is in the best interest of the child for the grandparents to step in as primary caregivers. Adoption of a...
Why you should not wait to create an estate plan
Creating an estate plan is a task that many people put off, either because it feels overwhelming or because they think it is not necessary at their current stage in life. However, having an estate plan is important at any age. It offers you control over your assets...
Do stepparents retain any rights after a Tennessee divorce?
The blended family is far from an irregular sight in modern society. According to the U.S. Census Bureau as related by The Stepfamily Foundation, over half of the nation's families involve remarriage or after-first-marriage couples. After living together for...
Misconceptions about estate planning for people without children
When discussing estate planning, the conversation often centers around those with children. However, estate planning is just as important for individuals and couples without children. The misconception that estate planning is less important for those without heirs can...
DCS praises Forever Homes Act
Adoption is a complex process of waiting periods and paperwork. Any adoptive parents wishing to bring a child into their family have to prove through the application process that they have the resources to support a child. After the approval, it takes months of...
5 ways you can prepare for property division in your divorce
The more marital assets you have, the more overwhelming the prospect of property division will seem as you approach divorce. However, with sufficient preparation, you can face property division with greater confidence. To that end, here are five tips to help you...