Michele McGill Family Law & Civil Litigation

  Divorce is difficult, but being well-prepared can make the process smoother. If you’re divorcing in Tennessee, there are a few important state-specific details to consider. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare before meeting your attorney: 1. Gather Essential Documents Your attorney will need comprehensive information about your financial and personal situation. Here’s what to bring: Financial Records: Bank statements, tax returns (last three years), pay stubs, investments, retirement accounts, and debts (credit cards, loans, mortgages). Property Information: Deeds, appraisals, titles, and info on jointly owned assets like cars, homes, or valuable items. Marriage Documents: Marriage certificate, prenuptial/postnuptial agreements, and previous legal filings. Custody Information: For children, bring birth certificates, school records, medical history, and any court orders or agreements on custody. 2. Tennessee-Specific Divorce Requirements Grounds for Divorce: Tenne...

Long-distance parenting presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to staying connected with your kids. Weekly calls can feel like a lifeline, but without the right preparation and mindset, they may fall short of fostering a strong bond. In this guide, we’ll explore best practices for making your weekly calls engaging, meaningful, and emotionally fulfilling for both you and your children. Step 1: Prepare Before the Call The foundation of a good call is preparation. Don’t wait until the call starts to think about what you want to talk about. Instead, take a few minutes beforehand to reflect on what’s going on in your child’s life. Best Practice: Keep a notebook or digital journal of key events in your child’s life, such as school activities, new friends, or recent hobbies. Reference these during your call to show your child you’re paying attention and care about what’s important to them. Psychological Insight: According to child psychologists, consistency and attentiveness f...

Preparing for divorce can help you take control of the process, reduce stress, and protect your future. Whether you’ve made the decision or you’re considering it, taking the right steps early on can make all the difference. Here’s a concise guide to help you prepare for divorce in Nashville, Tennessee. 1. Understand Your Rights and Options Before filing for divorce, familiarize yourself with Tennessee’s divorce laws. Tennessee offers both fault-based and no-fault divorce options. No-fault divorces are based on irreconcilable differences, while fault-based cases may include grounds like adultery or abandonment. Knowing your options can shape your strategy. 2. Hire a Divorce Lawyer Early One of the smartest moves you can make is to consult a divorce attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer will guide you through the process, explain your rights, and help you avoid costly mistakes. Don’t wait until things get messy—having an expert like Michele McGill on your side from the star...

One of the hardest parts of divorce is navigating conversations about your ex with your children. Even if you have legitimate grievances, speaking negatively about their other parent can deeply affect your kids, causing them to internalize criticism and confusion. Here’s how to handle these conversations with care, promoting your child’s emotional health and resilience. The Psychological Impact of Criticism Children see themselves as part of both parents. When one parent criticizes the other, the child often interprets this as a criticism of them. According to family therapists, this can cause emotional distress, leading to feelings of insecurity, guilt, and divided loyalty. Psychological Insight: Studies show that children exposed to parental conflict and negative talk about one parent are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Best Practice: Neutral or Positive Language No matter how strained your relationship with your ex, it’s crucial to speak about the...

Divorce is an emotional rollercoaster, and in such turbulent times, it’s natural to turn to family for support. However, involving family too deeply in your divorce can have unintended consequences that prolong conflict and complicate legal proceedings. Here’s why it’s crucial to set clear boundaries with family members at every stage of divorce—before, during, and after—and how doing so can help you achieve a smoother, more amicable process. Before the Divorce: Protect Your Clarity and Emotional Wellbeing When you’re considering divorce, family members often have strong opinions. While they may be well-meaning, their advice is typically based on their own emotional experiences or biases. This can cloud your judgment and lead you toward decisions that don’t serve your best interests. Best Practice: Instead of relying on family, consult a neutral third party like a therapist, divorce counselor, or lawyer. Professionals can provide objective advice tailored to your situation, helping you...