Legal Analysis and Commentary
Facts: After eight years of marriage that resulted in the birth of one child, the parties divorced. At trial, Mother testified to numerous incidents of domestic violence by Father. In one incident, Mother testified that Father slammed a shower door so hard the glass shattered and cut her legs. Father admitted to breaking the shower door, […]
Read MoreFacts: After a short marriage notable for domestic violence, the parties divorced. Mother was named the primary residential parent of Child, and Father was awarded visitation. A few years later, Mother disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Father took custody of Child immediately following Mother’s disappearance. One week later, Maternal Grandmother petitioned for custody of Child. Father […]
Read MoreMore on new family law legislation from the Tennessee Legislature in 2011: Orders of Protection. A new law specifies that an ex parte order of protection issued to protect the petitioner from domestic abuse, stalking, or domestic assault may require the respondent to immediately vacate the residence shared with the petitioner, pending a hearing on the matter. 2011 PC 253, effective 5/23/11. […]
Read MoreFacts: Petitioner is mentally disabled and was sexually abused by Respondent, who was the youth leader at Petitioner’s church. Petitioner obtained an order of protection prohibiting Respondent from from contacting Petitioner. The order also prohibited Respondent from attending Petitioner’s church so long as Petitioner continued to attend that church. The order expired after one year, […]
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