Tennessee law ensures adoption prioritizes the child’s best interests, but who needs to consent and how, and what happens if a parent objects to the adoption? Adopting a child is a significant life decision. Obtaining consent from all parties with parental rights is a crucial aspect of this legal process. Let us explore this situation further. Who needs to consent… The post Getting consent for adoption in Tennessee: Everything you need to know first appeared on Law Office of Meghan A Bodie ..read more

Adopting a child is a profound and rewarding decision, but the process is not easy. In addition to the emotional rollercoaster that comes with opening a home to a new child, the legalities are many and complicated. One example: the home study. In Tennessee, this process is designed to assess the suitability of a prospective adoptive family’s home environment and… The post Adopting in Tennessee? 3 things to know about the home study process first appeared on Law Office of Meghan A Bodie ..read more

For many grandparents, their bond with their grandchildren is a source of immense joy and fulfillment. However, life can sometimes take unexpected turns, placing grandchildren in situations where they need a stable and loving home in addition to a broader healthy bond. In Tennessee, grandparents may choose to step up and adopt their grandchildren, offering them a permanent and secure future. When is adoption the right course of action? Understanding the reasons for adoption Grandparents considering adoption do so mainly because the biological parents are unable to care for their children. For ..read more

Adoption is one of the many ways in which people may opt to expand their families. Some people adopt members of their family, such as stepchildren or grandchildren. Others adopt unrelated children while working with an agency. They may secure the placement of an infant or adopt a child from another country. Some families begin with foster placement and then adopt the children in their care. Those who want to grow their families sometimes assume that adoption is not a realistic option in their case because of the expense involved and the level of scrutiny applied to aspiring adoptive parents. C ..read more

Families form in all kinds of ways. There is the traditional nuclear family that begins with a marriage and leads to loving parents having children together. There are blended families created when people with children remarry. There are families where children live with grandparents and households where the children have no biological relationship with their parents or guardians. All of these families can provide love and support for minor children. They may all also face unique challenges. A stepparent in a blended family may have a strong attachment to their stepchildren. They may aspire to ..read more

Co-parenting has its own set of challenges, but over the holidays, those challenges may feel as though they increase. Working with your co-parent during the holiday can create a more amicable and smooth season. Likewise, when you work together, your children can make positive memories with you and your former spouse. Create an advanced schedule Over the holidays, Americans make about 15 billion trips per year. Naturally, you or your former spouse may want to travel and holiday travel means deciding whether the kids can go. In advance, work out specific dates and times for parent involvement. F ..read more

According to the IRS, how you handle taxes after a divorce depends on your marital status on December 31. Understanding the tax implications of your divorce is important. You want to avoid making mistakes that could be very costly in the long run. Filing status One of the most immediate tax-related decisions you will face after divorce is your filing status. Your filing status can significantly impact your tax liability. If your divorce is final as of the last day of the year, you can file as single or head of household. However, if you are still in a marriage, you should file married filing j ..read more

Tennessee courts make child custody decisions with the best interests of the child at the forefront. Understanding this process is if you are going through a separation or divorce and have children involved. Reviewing the key factors can help you prepare for an upcoming custody case. Types of child custody State laws recognize both physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody refers to where the child lives. Legal custody is decision-making authority about the child’s upbringing, including education and healthcare. Collaborative parenting plans The state encourages parents to work toge ..read more

Divorce is always difficult, but going through one as a victim of domestic violence can be even more daunting, especially with children involved. In Tennessee alone close to 70,000 domestic violence cases are reported each year. These cases usually require protective orders. Understanding how these orders may impact custody arrangements can help parents seeking to ensure their children’s well-being. Understanding protective orders A protective order, also known as a restraining order, is a legal directive issued by a court to safeguard individuals from harassment, abuse or threats. In cases wh ..read more

Estate planning helps ensure that your assets undergo distribution according to your wishes when you die. In Tennessee, a basic estate plan includes several key elements that help protect your family, your assets and your interests. When drafting your estate plan, be sure to include the following. 1. A last will and testament In a last will and testament, you specify who inherits your assets, including your real estate, investments and personal belongings, when you die. Without a will, Tennessee law dictates where your assets go, and the state may not distribute them in line with your wishes ..read more