Terminating Parental Rights in Tennessee
Friday, August 21st, 2020
The first stage in any adoption proceeding is terminating parental rights of the biological parents. Unless you are pursuing a stepparent adoption, you must terminate both biological parents’ rights. A court will only terminate a parent’s rights if the petitioner can prove at least one of the legal grounds to terminate. The petitioner must also […]
Read More »Social Security Benefits for Adopted Grandchildren
Friday, August 14th, 2020
At Held Law Firm, many of the adoption clients we see are grandparents seeking to adopt their grandchildren. However, many people in this group are unable to work. They rely on Social Security Retirement or Disability benefits for their income. Adopting and raising children is always a challenge, but it can be especially difficult for people living on […]
Read More »Housing Costs in Knoxville
Wednesday, August 12th, 2020
Much like the rest of the country, housing costs in Knoxville are on the rise. As of February 2020, Knoxville renters saw an overall increase of 6%. This brought the average monthly cost of renting to $1,082 for a 970-square-foot apartment. Though nearly $400 cheaper than the national average, it is important to note that […]
Read More »When You May Be Awarded Attorney’s Fees
Wednesday, August 5th, 2020
Litigation is expensive, so many people ask us how they can get the opposing party to pay for attorney fees. This is not something that occurs often. Tennessee courts follow the “American Rule,” which is that each person is responsible for their own attorney fees. However, there are instances in which the court may order […]
Read More »Can I get divorced in TN if I was married in a different country?
Thursday, July 30th, 2020
Typically, marriages which are valid and legally performed in a different country are valid in the United States. So if you were legally married in a different country, you should be able to get divorced in Tennessee. That is, as long as you meet the other requirements to file for a divorce. RESIDENCY In order […]
Read More »Harmony Family Center on the Journey of Adoption
Friday, July 24th, 2020
Guest blog by Harmony Family Center. When you hear the word “adoption,” what comes to mind? You might be surprised that adoption in the United States and here in Tennessee often doesn’t look like what you imagine — a baby brought home from the hospital by their forever family or adoption from another country. In fact, most […]
Read More »COVID Divorces: What You Need to Know
Monday, July 20th, 2020
COVID-19 is not just impacting how we co-parent. It’s having undeniable effects on the divorce process. Social distancing and isolation measures have put an unusual degree of strain on marriages. The inability to see extended family, to have a drink with friends, or even just spend some time alone can create tension in the happiest […]
Read More »An Open Letter to Mental Health Professionals
Wednesday, July 15th, 2020
Dear Mental Health Professionals: I am a family lawyer. For the last 25 years, I have represented families in crisis. I have read reports, deposed and examined psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers and mental health professionals more times than I can count. The questions I get the most from folks in your field are, […]
Read More »Should I Record My Children or Spouse for Evidence?
Monday, July 6th, 2020
Maybe you know your spouse is lying. Maybe your kids want to live with you and just don’t want to tell the other parent. Maybe your partner is verbally abusive when no one is listening. Maybe your spouse has admitted something that will help you in court. You have your phone in your pocket, ready to […]
Read More »What Are Safe Haven Laws?
Thursday, July 2nd, 2020
Safe Haven laws were enacted to prevent the abandonment of newborn babies and provide a safe and legal option for those too afraid to tell anyone of their pregnancy. The Tennessee Safe Haven Law was enacted in July 2001 in response to a tragedy in Townsend, Tennessee. In October 2000, a 14 year old girl hid […]
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