We speak a lot about the different elements of divorce: relocation, parenting plans, property division, and so on. The process can be challenging, so we want to make sure our clients have the information they need in order to make good decisions for themselves and their loved ones. Once the divorce is final, however, a lot of folks discover that…
When we think of a family unit, we usually think of parents and children. Perhaps we include grandparents, stepparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, too. But for families across the country, more and more people are including furry, four-legged companions into that circle. When a couple divorces, the question of “Who keeps the dog?” can be almost as contentious as who…
A story in Yahoo Finance reports that having unpaid child support on your record can have a “substantial, negative” impact on your credit score, which can lead to higher interest rates or being declined for a loan as long as the delinquent child support payments remain on your credit history. Creditcards.com reports that there are more than 11 million individuals…
A guardianship arrangement gives you custody of a minor child, along with the responsibility for the care and education of the child when the child’s parents are both deceased, have relinquished their parental rights, or are otherwise unable to care for him or her. If you have taken a minor child into your care, you may be required to establish…
The Tennessee Supreme Court has just adopted forms for those who want an uncontested divorce, but have minor children. These new forms and instructions were released in an effort by the court to simplify divorce proceedings for those who have both agreed that the marriage is over and they are looking for a simple divorce solution. Tennessee gives folks two…
The holiday season is in full swing, and for lots of folks, that means time with family and loved ones. But if you’re a single mom or dad, or are in the midst of a divorce, the holidays can be a bit overwhelming, and a little less joyful. As a Maryville divorce attorney, I’ve guided a lot of people through…
One of the hardest things for most folks who get divorced in Tennessee, aside from working on a Parenting Plan, is trying to divide up assets. Even the most amicable couple might still get a little riled up over who’s going to keep the car (or, Heaven forbid, the dog), and who has the most right to the expensive furniture.…
Right now, there are more than 8,000 children in foster care in Tennessee. The State offers a comprehensive overview of the system and how it should work on TN.gov, but the truth is a lot of kids need homes: sometimes temporarily, and sometimes permanently. As someone who helps families grow through adoption, I’m aware of just how many kids out…
When you get divorced, you have a lot going on. You might be working on a parenting plan with your ex, or trying to decide if you’re going to sell the house (or if one of you will buy the other out) – there is quite a bit to do. And after those plans are set, and you’ve opened new…
The last few years have been tough for the economy, and tough on folks who were out of work, or whose jobs didn’t pay them enough to make ends meet. So when I hear about people finding work that really suits them, or will give them a little more breathing room, I’m genuinely happy for them. But before you take…