Custody disputes have increased over transgender children as transgender issues receive more attention. There have been cases across the United States where parents have waged custody battles over disagreements ranging from refusal to consent to cross-sex hormones to gender identity transition. Transgender Custody Battles Transgender custody battles between parents with different religious beliefs, medical and [..]
The Child Support Guidelines have been updated for 2020. The Guidelines govern the calculation and modification of child support obligations. This first update in several years contains changes parents need to know when calculating child support. Determination of Income Child Support is based primarily upon the gross income of the parents. This is typically determined [..]
Easing of Restrictions for In-Person Proceedings Tennessee Courts are developing plans for reopening after COVID restrictions limited in-person hearings. The 16th District covering Rutherford and Cannon Counties has issued a Standing Order providing guidance for reopening. The Standing Order should be reviewed for complete information regarding court proceedings. A list of key requirements you should [..]
Rutherford County, Tennessee and the 16th Judicial District have a Standing Order addressing Parenting Time during a Pandemic or Epidemic. The order resolves confusion over caring for children during extended school closures and “lockdown” or “shelter-in-place” orders. Residential Schedule During School Closure Parents are to follow their parenting schedule as though the children are in [..]
The Tennessee Supreme Court issued an order suspending in-person hearing in state and local courts through March 31, 2020 because of concerns over coronavirus. The Law Office of David L. Scott will remain open and will continue to conduct business as usual. What Hearings are Actually Suspended The Supreme Court order suspends in-person hearings in [..]
Tennessee received a grade of “C” from the National Parents Organization in their 2019 Shared Parenting Report Card. The report grades states on their efforts to promoted shared parenting. Kentucky received the highest grade of “A” while Rhode Island and New York received an “F.” Shared Parenting Benefits The report cites research that 35% of [..]
Current Tennessee Handgun Permits Tennessee handgun carry permit holders are currently allowed to carry a firearm openly or concealed. Applicants must complete an approved handgun safety course within one (1) year of the date of application including classroom and firing range hours. Applicants must also pass a background check and pay a $100.00 fee. There [..]
Children have traditionally been required to attend school in the school zone wherein the Primary Residential Parent (PRP) resides. Designation of a Primary Residential Parent was required even in Parenting Plans where parents had equal time with the children. School districts did not have to honor language in a Parenting Plan where parents agreed to [..]
Contracts for post-adoption contact between relatives and adopted children will be permitted in Tennessee beginning July 1, 2019. Contracts for continued contact with an adopted child were void and unenforceable under prior law. Post-Adoption Contact Requirements Contracts for post-adoption contact must be in writing and signed by all parties to be enforceable. The contract can [..]
Preparing for family mediation will maximize the benefits of this conflict resolution tool. Mediation is required in all contested family law cases in Tennessee. This includes divorce, paternity, custody, visitation, custody/visitation modification cases. What is Mediation? Mediation is a process through which an attempt is made to resolve or settle disputes prior to trial. The [..]
