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...

For business owners divorce introduces an additional layer of complexity. Not only are your personal finances at stake, but your business—your livelihood—could be divided as well. Whether you started your business before the marriage or built it together, the way it is valued and divided can have long-lasting financial implications. As an experienced divorce attorney serving Franklin, Tennessee, I’ve worked with many entrepreneurs navigating this delicate process. In this article, I’ll outline critical strategies to help protect your business during divorce and secure your financial future. 1. Is Your Business Considered Marital Property? In Tennessee, divorce follows the principle of equitable distribution. This means that marital property is divided in a fair, but not necessarily equal, manner. One of the first questions to address is whether your business is classified as marital property or separate property. • Marital Property includes assets acquired during the marriage, and ...

Navigating co-parenting is not just about dividing time between households—it’s about creating a healthy environment where your children can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. As a divorce lawyer in Nashville, I’ve seen first-hand how challenging this transition can be, but I’ve also witnessed the powerful benefits when parents commit to positive, thoughtful co-parenting. Here are key strategies to make co-parenting smoother and more beneficial for your children: 1. Put Children’s Emotional Needs First   Divorce is tough on children, no matter their age. They need emotional security, which is often fostered by having a stable relationship with both parents. By showing respect for each other and maintaining open lines of communication, we model healthy relationships and give our children the emotional tools they need to adapt and succeed. 2. Clear, Respectful Communication   Even when emotions are high, keeping communication clear and respectful is essential. This ...

Divorce is a significant life event that can reshape your future emotionally, legally, and—importantly—financially. If you’re preparing for divorce or currently in the process, it’s crucial to understand the financial landscape to protect what you’ve worked hard to build. In Tennessee, where divorce laws are rooted in fairness but not necessarily equal outcomes, having a strategic approach to managing assets, debts, and future financial planning is vital. As a Franklin-based divorce attorney specializing in these complex cases, I am here to guide you through the key areas where financial pitfalls can arise, offering solutions to secure your financial stability. 1. Understanding Equitable Distribution in Tennessee: More Than a 50-50 Split In Tennessee , the concept of equitable distribution governs how marital property is divided in divorce. Unlike community property states where assets are split down the middle, Tennessee courts aim to divide marital assets equitably—or fairly—based on...

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...