Posts by Karla Miller
The Expansion of New York’s Legal Definition of Parenthood Grants Custody Rights to Non-biological Parents
In August, we shared the heart breaking story of Erica Witt, a Tennessee woman who had been legally married to another woman, but her parenting rights were denied by a Knox County judge because she did not share any biological ties with the child that she and her former spouse had raised together. In that…
Read MoreTips for Helping Your Kids Survive Your Divorce
When you and your spouse decide that it is time to get a divorce, you know that the impact of that choice will affect your children. But you must remember that it is your divorce ā not your childās. One of the most valuable things you can do for your child when you are going…
Read MoreSometimes Mediation Does Not Work; Hereās Why
Divorce mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process, which uses a trained and certified neutral third-party mediator whose mission is to guide the couple towards resolving any disputes related to their divorce. The mediator works with both parties and encourages them to come to a mutual agreement on property division, outstanding debts, spousal support and…
Read MoreGuardianship of a Child upon the Death of Both Parents
It is probably true that most of us take our lives for granted, and although we know that we should, we do not always make plans for what will happen when we pass away. Parents especially have an obligation to do this because they are responsible for the care and upbringing of their children. Some…
Read MoreParenting Rights Under Fire in Same Sex Divorce in Tennessee
On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court decided Obergefell v. Hodges, which recognized marriage equality for same sex couples. It required all states to issue marriage licenses, and to recognize same sex marriages that were performed in other states which had already legalized it. Along with the right to marry comes the right…
Read MoreHow to Be Successful in Divorce Mediation
When you are preparing to go through divorce mediation, there are a few things to keep in mind as you begin this process. Given that both parties must be willing participants in order for divorce mediation to work, you both have a vested interest in a fruitful outcome that does not involve rancor or conflict.…
Read MoreWhen Does Arguing and Fighting Cross the Line and Become Abuse?
Let us say that you and your spouse have not been getting along for a while. There are constant arguments and fights, with yelling and screaming and slamming doors. All of the conflict and strife is beginning to wear on your nerves and you might begin to wonder how to know if your relationship problems…
Read MoreWhat Can I Do if I Think My Spouse is Hiding Assets in Our Complex, High-Asset Divorce?
Divorce can bring out certain aspects of your spouseās personality that you might have never seen before. When you are facing divorce, and you have substantial assets, there is often the temptation for one spouse to squirrel away those assets and hide them from the other spouse, so that they will not have to share…
Read MoreCustomizing Child Custody Agreements for the Tween and Teen Years
If you divorced while your child was young, the custody arrangements you made with your childās other parent were appropriate for the childās needs at that age. But now as your child has grown into a ātweenā (ages 9 to 12) or teenager, those needs will have changed significantly. It might be time to revisit…
Read MoreChild Support and Uninsured Medical Expenses in Tennessee
Anyone who is raising children knows that kids are expensive. When your child has medical problems that include items that are not covered by medical insurance, your medical bills can go sky high. The primary residential parent cannot be expected to pay all of those bills on his or her own. Tennesseeās Child Support Guidelines…
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