Michele McGill Family Law & Civil Litigation

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...

When a family business is involved in the divorce process, the stakes can get very high. Whether it’s a small local business or a larger enterprise, deciding how to handle this shared asset is critical to ensuring the future stability of both the business and the divorcing spouses. In this post, we’ll cover the essential steps you need to take when navigating a divorce with a family business. Step 1: Valuing the Business The first, and perhaps most crucial, step is determining the value of the business. This typically requires hiring a professional business appraiser. The appraiser will consider factors such as the business’s income, assets, liabilities, and its future growth potential. This valuation will play a significant role in how the business is divided between spouses. Factors that influence business value include: • Annual revenue and profitability • Business debts and liabilities • Market trends and competition • The potential for future growth Having an accur...

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...

Relocating with a child after a divorce is complex, especially when custody agreements are involved. Tennessee law requires that relocation not only serves the child’s best interests but also respects both parents' rights. Here's an overview to guide you through the process. Why Child Relocation Laws Matter When one parent relocates, it can impact the child’s relationship with the other parent, their education, and their emotional well-being. Tennessee has specific guidelines to ensure that both parents have a say, and most importantly, that the child’s best interests are protected. Legal Steps for Relocation Written Notice : If you’re the primary parent and want to move more than 50 miles away or out of state, you must provide the other parent with written notice at least 60 days before the move. The notice should include: The intended new address. The reasons for relocation. A statement informing the other parent that they have 30 days to object. Objection Process : If the no...