Back
to Homepage of Jes Beard |
|
Effective December 1, 1997, the Circuit
and Chancery Courts of Hamilton County have implemented a pilot program
established and directed by the legislature to focus attention of divorcing
parents on the effect of divorce on their minor children. The program is
authorized by Chapter 557 of the Public Acts of 1997 and can be found at
T.C.A. Sec 36-6-401, et seq.
Attorneys should be aware that their clients would be required to comply
with the requirements of the legislation, which will include:
-
Attending a four hour seminar on the impact of
divorce on children.
-
Filing parenting plans with
the original Complaint or Petition and (if disputed) with the Answer, and
-
Mediating disputes over the parenting plan before taking such disputes
before a judge.
|
Parents will be required to file with the court certificates of completion
of the education program and evidence of a good faith attempt to mediate
any dispute over the parenting plan.
The requirements of the legislation will apply to all cases involving
the custody or support of minor children except Title IV-D cases. Mediation
will not be required prior to a court hearing in cases where it is found
that a parent has engaged in physical or sexual abuse or a pattern of emotional
abuse of a child or a person living with the child.
The cost of education and mediation will be borne by the parties and
will be based on ability to pay. The parties will be free to use any mediator,
but if they are unable to agree, the courts will only appoint certified
Rule 31 mediators.
The Parenting Coordinator for Hamilton County is Data Vess, (423) 209-6658
and is located in room 107 M.L. King Bldg., 317 Oak Street, Chattanooga,
TN.
The Project Director is Nancy Ridge, Room 300-A Chancery Court, Hamilton
County Courthouse, Chattanooga, TN 37402, (423) 209-6657, E-Mail: NRidge@EXCH.Hamiltontn.gov,
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9:00 - 4:00 pm.
|
UPCOMING PARENT
EDUCATION SEMINARS
|
The
following programs fulfill the MANDATORY EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR
requirement for divorcing or post-divorce parties with children.All
parents are required to attend one four-hour seminar.
It
is not necessary for parents to attend the same class.
You
only have to attend ONE CLASS.
You
may select from one of the three following providers and call the number
listed to pre-register
for the class you choose.
|
|
| CHILDREN COPING WITH DIVORCE |
|
Family
and Children’s Services class will be held at323
High Street
Chattanooga,
TN 37403 |
PHONE: 755-2800
COST: $30.00 per person |
Daytime Sessions
9:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.
|
| Thursday |
April 6, 2000 |
| Thursday |
May 4, 2000 |
| Thursday |
June 8, 2000 |
| Thursday |
July 6, 2000 |
|
|
Evening Sessions
5:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.
|
| Thursday |
April 20, 2000 |
| Thursday |
May 18, 2000 |
| Thursday |
June 15, 2000 |
| Thursday |
July 20, 2000 |
|
|
|
|
CHILDREN IN DIVORCE AND SEPARATION
|
Conflict Resolution and Mediation Services
100 Cherokee Blvd.
Chattanooga Business Center
Chattanooga, Tn 37405 |
PHONE: 266-0477
COST: $40/per person - $60/couple |
Daytime Sessions
9:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.
|
| Wednesday |
May 3, 2000 |
| Saturday |
May 13, 2000 |
| Wednesday |
June 7, 2000 |
| Saturday |
June 17, 2000 |
| Wednesday |
July 19, 2000 |
| Saturday |
July 29, 2000 |
|
|
Evening Sessions
5:30p.m. - 9:30p.m.
|
| Tuesday |
April 25, 2000 |
| Thursday |
May 18, 2000 |
| Tuesday |
May 23, 2000 |
| Thursday |
June 1, 2000 |
| Tuesday |
June 20, 2000 |
| Thursday |
July 6, 2000 |
| Tuesday |
July 11, 2000 |
|
|
|
|
HELP YOUR CHILD WITH DIVORCE
|
|
Relationship
Therapy Center7302
Jarnigan RoadChattanooga,
TN 37421
|
PHONE: (423) 855-4091
COST: $40/per person - $60/couple |
Daytime Sessions
8:30a.m. - 12:30p.m.
|
| Saturday |
May 6, 2000 |
| Saturday |
June 3, 2000 |
| Saturday |
July 15, 2000 |
| Saturday |
August 12, 2000 |
| Saturday |
September 9, 2000 |
|
|
Evening Sessions
5:30p.m. - 9:30p.m.
|
| Thursday |
May 18, 2000 |
| Thursday |
June 15, 2000 |
| Thursday |
July 27, 2000 |
| Thursday |
August 24, 2000 |
| Thursday |
September 21, 2000 |
|
|
|
