Tennessee Child Custody Dispute

Summary

The user, residing in Tennessee, is engaged to a man who has a child from a previous relationship. The childs mother has been withholding the child for two years. They attempted to file for custody in Rutherford County, but the case was denied due to jurisdiction issues. The childs mother is currently residing in Macon County. The users fiancé has proof of paternity and his name is on the childs birth certificate. They are seeking joint custody but are facing financial constraints in hiring an attorney. They have been advised to seek legal aid or pro bono services.

Full Conversation

Child custody
What state are you currently residing in, ****? This will help me provide you with the most accurate information regarding child custody laws.
tennessee
What specific issues are you facing with child custody? In Tennessee, child custody decisions are made based on the best interest of the child.
my fiancé has a child from a previous relationship. The mother has been with holding the child for two years
What steps have you or your fiancé taken so far to address this issue?

In Tennessee, the court considers the child's best interest when deciding custody. It's important to consult with a family law attorney.
we filed for custody with Rutherford county but they couldn’t help because the mother was homeless
What is the current living situation of the child? In Tennessee, the court prioritizes the child's best interest, including stable living conditions.
they are currently living with the mothers on again off again boyfriend and his family and their kids
Have you or your fiancé been able to maintain regular contact with the child during this period?

In Tennessee, maintaining a relationship with the child can influence custody decisions.
No - she will not allow us to speak to or see the child
What evidence do you have of her denying you contact with the child? In Tennessee, courts consider the willingness of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close relationship between the child and the other parent.
we asked to see the child on the child’s birthday and received no response. We offered to help with school supplies and school clothes and when asked where to send she never responded
Have you documented these attempts to contact and support the child? In Tennessee, this could be crucial evidence in a custody case.
yes
What is the age of the child? In Tennessee, the court may consider the child's preference if they are mature enough to express an informed opinion.
*
What is the name of the child's mother? This information is necessary for filing a petition for custody in Tennessee.
Jamie Midgett
What is the current status of your custody case in Rutherford County?
it was denied since she doesn’t reside in this county
What county does Jamie Midgett currently reside in? This information is crucial to determine the appropriate jurisdiction for your custody case.
Macon County
What is the full name of your fiancé who is the biological father of the child?
Timothy Camp
Timothy Camp
Timothy David Camp
What is the full name of the child?
Layla Ann Camp
What is the current status of your relationship with Timothy David Camp?
Engaged
What is the legal status of Timothy David Camp's relationship with Jamie Midgett? Were they married or just in a relationship?
He has proof of paternity
What type of proof of paternity does Timothy David Camp have?
the acknowledgement from the hospital
the paperwork from the hospital
Does Timothy David Camp's name appear on Layla Ann Camp's birth certificate?
yes it does
What is the current status of Timothy David Camp's relationship with Layla Ann Camp?
what do you mean
we have no contact
no contact
What steps have you taken to legally enforce your right to contact with the child?
filed for custody in Rutherford
What was the reason given by the court in Rutherford County for denying your custody case?
out of their jurisdiction
not in their jurisdiction
unable to locate the mother
Jamie couldn’t be found
she didn’t reside in the county
What is your current plan of action since the case was denied in Rutherford County?
we tried to file with Macon but they told us we would need an attorney to file the paperwork
What type of custody are you seeking: joint custody or sole custody?
joint
In Tennessee, joint custody is encouraged to allow the child to maintain a relationship with both parents. Have you considered hiring an attorney to assist with the filing in Macon County?
we don’t have the money
Have you considered seeking legal aid or pro bono services? There are organizations in Tennessee that provide free or low-cost legal assistance for child custody cases.
don’t know where to look
You can contact Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee. They provide free legal help. Their contact number is *-*-*.
Would they be able to appoint an attorney?
Yes, Legal Aid Society can help you find a pro bono attorney to assist with your case. They provide free legal services to those who qualify based on income.
I will give them a call
That sounds like a good plan, ****. Remember to have all your documentation ready when you call. Good luck with your case.
They don’t help with custody disputes
I'm sorry to hear that. Have you tried reaching out to the Tennessee Bar Association's Pro Bono Program? They might be able to assist you. Their contact number is (*) *-*.
What’s their contact information
The Tennessee Bar Association's Pro Bono Program can be reached at (*) *-*. They may be able to assist with your custody case.