Press Releases

Press Releases

TBA to Pursue Legislation Requiring Notice of Divorce Proceedings Before Court Filing Becomes Public

Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Nov 6, 2014

NASHVILLE, Nov. 6, 2014 — The Tennessee Bar Association announced today it is pursuing legislation that would require respondents be served notice of the filing of a petition for divorce or separation before the court action is made public.
“Our Family Law Section has been in discussions about how to address what they see as a growing problem,” said TBA President Jonathan Steen. “Respondents find out that their spouse has filed for divorce before safety plans can be put in place or before restraining orders can be served. We think a targeted solution to this problem is that information about the filing of divorce should be delayed until the respondent is served.”

The TBA will work with domestic violence prevention groups, lawmakers, judges and court officials to craft a solution that balances protection of those involved in divorce cases with the public’s need to know about what is happening in their courts.

The TBA actively pursues several legislative matters during each legislative session.

For specific questions about the proposed legislation contact:

Allan Ramsaur
Executive Director
Tennessee Bar Association
221 Fourth Ave., N., Suite 400
Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 383-7421