Adoption is a choice that has the potential to permanently change lives. Whether the adoptees are foster children, relatives, stepchildren, the orphaned kids of friends or babies from overseas, the legal process of making them official family members has a major...
Coparenting considerations for the holiday season
Emotions often run high at the holidays, which can make coparenting challenges feel like a roadblock. Prevent conflict with your child's other parent by planning ahead for the holiday season. Thinking through these factors can help the custody schedule run smoothly...
Getting protection from an abusive partner in Tennessee
When you experience verbal or physical abuse at the hands of your spouse, you may worry about what he or she will do after a separation. With an order of protection, he or she must stay a certain distance from you or risk legal action. Take these steps to ask...
Excessive drinking and family law issues
When one's marriage ends, it is not uncommon for them to experience high levels of stress and other negative emotions. In order to work through these feelings, some people turn to alcohol, and we know how damaging this can be for multiple reasons. Not only does this...
How can I make child support payments?
Paying your child support should not be a difficult process. That is why Tennessee makes sure that you have a few different options for how to make your payments. Having choices can ensure that it is not a hardship just to make a payment. The Department of Human...
Growing number of grandfamilies in U.S.
Most people in Tennessee assume that once they have raised their children and become grandparents, the hard work is over, and they can enjoy the fun of spoiling their grandkids without having the responsibility of parenting them. While true for many families, the...
What rights does a noncustodial parent have in Tennessee?
As the noncustodial parent after a Tennessee divorce, you may have concerns that your ex-spouse will edge you out of your child’s life, and you will lose the close relationship that you and your child shared before. The Knoxville Bar Association explains that the...
How can I change my name on my license after a divorce?
There are a lot of changes you have to make after getting a divorce in Tennessee. You may have to move to a new home, change your employment, share custody of your children and make many other changes to adjust to your life after marriage. If you decided one change...
Retirement funds can be contentious in a divorce
Retirement funds are often the largest assets owned by a married couple in Tennessee. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that dividing these accounts can be complicated during a divorce. According to a survey of divorce attorneys, retirement accounts are one of the...
Child support actions spurred by public assistance applications
Some single parents in Tennessee may need to seek out public assistance, especially if they are struggling to make ends meet on a monthly basis. After a separation or divorce, the lifestyle of the lower-earning partner can be dramatically impacted. This is especially...