Divorce and Child Custody in Tennessee: Navigating Legal and Emotional Landscapes
Divorce is a challenging process, often complicated by the need to determine child custody arrangements. In Tennessee, the primary concern in custody decisions is the child’s best interest. Understanding this, the legal framework and the emotional dynamics at play can help parents navigate this difficult time more effectively.
If your parents died without a Will, it is challenging to know how to divide their property and assets legally. When there is a death without a Will, it is known as dying “intestate.” If this is your situation, you must determine how your state laws dictate asset distribution. Below, we will explore the steps to take and the legal processes involved when handling your parent’s property if they pass away without a Will.
Navigating a military divorce can be complex. This type of divorce can present unique challenges and legal complexities that differ from civilian divorce. This type of divorce is primarily complex due to the intersection of military service regulations and family law. Below, you will find some key considerations involved in military divorces.
When your child turns 18, they officially become adults in the eyes of the law. As adults, it is time to prepare the 9 Legal Documents Adults need. Yes, we realize this is not what an 18-year-old wants to think about at this time in life. However, while this transition is often marked by newfound independence and responsibilities, it requires various essential legal documents. These documents are necessary to protect your new adult’s rights and well-being. Here is a list, along with some essential information, regarding the 9 Legal Documents you should consider for your child’s coming of age:
When it comes to parental rights, the legal landscape can differ significantly depending on whether you are a married or unmarried couple. These differences can have far-reaching implications, impacting various aspects of child custody, visitation, and decision-making authority. Below are a few of the differences in parental rights between these types of couples Therefore, shedding light on the importance of legal recognition and the steps unmarried parents can take to protect their rights.
Step-parent adoption is a legal process allowing a step-parent to become the legal parent of a step-child. It is a decision with many benefits but requires a lot of thought due to the emotional and legal implications.
Divorce is an emotionally challenging process, and understanding the legal aspects can be equally overwhelming. When contemplating divorce, understanding the fundamental distinctions between uncontested Vs contested divorces is essential. Additionally, securing a family law attorney who can address your inquiries and guide you through the entire divorce procedure is critical.
People often ask, “Do I need a Will?” If you do not have one, you will not be in control of what happens to your assets upon your passing, and you could leave your family in a challenging mess. Delaying these thoughts is human. You may feel uncomfortable about having a Will drafted because thinking about your death may feel scary. Also, you may feel overwhelmed about making so many decisions at once. And, as attorneys, we understand. This is why we are here to help make drafting a Will more manageable.
Having a Will drawn up allows you to control who will receive your assets upon your passing. If you do not have a Will when you die, the law will determine who receives your property. The Will also allows you to name who will be in charge of administering your Estate upon your passing. This will include paying your debts, collecting any assets owed to you, and distributing any of your property. If you do not have a Will, the Court will decide who will administer your Estate without your input. Also, in a Will, you can name who you want to be the Guardian of your minor children. And all of these are important things to have outlined.
As of January 1, 2019, alimony tax law has changed.
If you are paying or receiving alimony after January 1, 2019, you may question, “Is my alimony tax deductible? The short answer is that you will no longer be allowed to claim the alimony as income. Or list the alimony as a deduction on your taxes. Before January 1, 2019, the spouse receiving alimony could list it as taxable income. And the spouse paying alimony could list it as a deduction, but this is no longer true. This applies to all alimony orders entered after January 1, 2019. This new change in the tax law will not apply to any Orders for alimony entered before January 1, 2019.
Are you a step-parent who helps your spouse, the biological parent, raise your step-child? And, do you wish to formalize your relationship with this child through step-child adoption? Taking this step means the child will legally be your child. Here are a few things to consider before doing so.
For a step-parent to adopt a child, the other biological parent’s parental rights will need to terminate. In some cases, the biological parent may consent and allow the adoption. However, if consent is denied, termination of parental rights must be legally proven. Therefore, understanding Tennessee Law to identify the appropriate legal grounds is essential to step-child adoption. Once the termination takes place, the step-parent adoption can proceed.
