In this divorce action, a husband challenges the trial court’s finding that the parties’ jointly owned real property transmuted into marital property during a nine-year marriage. The husband also asserts that the trial court erred in finding him in contempt of the final decree before the decree became a final order. Discerning no error, we affirm the trial court as to the finding that the parties’ home became marital property during the marriage. We reverse, however, the finding of contempt against the husband.

In this case involving termination of the father’s parental rights to his child, the Cannon County Chancery Court (“trial court”) determined that clear and convincing evidence supported termination as to five statutory grounds: substantial non-compliance with a permanency plan, persistence of the conditions that led to the child’s removal from the parents’ custody, severe child abuse, incarceration of a parent for more than ten years when the child is under eight years of age, and failure to manifest an ability and willingness to assume legal and physical custody of or financial responsibility for the child. The trial court further determined that termination of the father’s and mother’s parental rights was in the child’s best interest. The father has appealed. Upon review, we vacate the trial court’s determination concerning the ground of substantial non- compliance with a permanency plan. In all other respects, we affirm.

In this second appeal of this case, the employee challenges the trial court’s order granting summary judgment to the employer on the basis that the employee failed to provide proper notice of the workplace accident. Previously, in an interlocutory appeal, we concluded that an employee’s lack of understanding of the extent of his or her injury does not constitute a reasonable excuse for the failure to provide timely notice of a sudden, traumatic workplace accident. As a result, following our remand of the case and the employer’s filing of a motion for summary judgment, the trial court determined that the employee did not come forward with sufficient evidence at the summary judgment stage to prove he had a reasonable excuse for his late notice. The employee has appealed. Having carefully reviewed the record, we affirm the trial court’s decision and certify it as final.

The next free advice clinic for Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits is set for Nov. 20 in Nashville. The clinic, sponsored by the Arts & Business Council's Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts and Bradley, provides assistance with business formation and corporate governance, review of contracts, and guidance in navigating local ordinances and state regulations. Prospective clients should register by Nov. 17. Attorneys should email vlpa@abcnashville.org to volunteer.

Death row inmate Harold Wayne Nichols has asked Gov. Bill Lee for clemency, requesting that his sentence be converted to life in prison a month before his scheduled execution. The Associated Press reports that the clemency petition argues that Nichols turned his life around in prison, becoming a model inmate who helps make the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution a safer place and even mentoring at-risk youth. The petition also quotes former corrections officers and prison volunteers who vouch for his rehabilitation. On Monday, Nichols declined to choose between lethal injection and the electric chair.

Legal Services Corporation's (LSC) Rural Justice Task Force has released a comprehensive report with recommendations to strengthen legal access in rural communities. The task force's goal is to better serve the millions of rural Americans who face unique challenges — such as limited transportation, scarce providers and geographic isolation — when seeking legal help. LSC has also expanded Heartland Disaster Help to better support Americans in areas vulnerable to natural disasters. Simply enter an address and learn about the disasters most common to that area, find recovery assistance resources and explore ways to prepare and protect homes, families and communities.

The TBA’s annual two-day Health Law Forum kicked off today in downtown Nashville with a keynote on "AI in Healthcare — What's Real, What's Hype and What's Next" followed by a session on regulatory fraud and abuse. TBA President Heidi Barcus moderated a panel on medical malpractice updates. Other topics covered included the impact of the "One Big Beautiful Bill' on health care, legality of DEI and health equity programs and an ethics update with a panel including TBA Executive Director Sheree Wright. The forum continues tomorrow with AI and ethics, legislative review, federal civil and criminal enforcement, the rise of telehealth and the FDA approval process for compounded weight loss drugs. Also on tap for tomorrow is the section's annual meeting and lunch. Members do not have to be registered for the forum to attend the lunch. Now in its 37th year, the Health Law Forum is the premier health law program in the state, providing essential insights from health law providers, practitioners and regulators. See photos from the first day.

Since January, Tennessee has seen one of the nation’s largest expansions of local immigration enforcement partnerships, growing from just two to 48 law enforcement agencies under federal 287(g) agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Tennessee Lookout reports that the deals now include sheriffs, small-town police, constables and state highway patrol officers, significantly widening the reach of federal immigration enforcement across the state. Supporters say the agreements promote public safety and uphold immigration law, while critics warn they encourage racial profiling and divert police from local priorities. The Trump administration and Tennessee lawmakers have offered financial incentives — including salary reimbursements, equipment funding and grants — to enter into one of three model agreements: jail enforcement, warrant service officer or task force.

An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller's Office uncovered extensive misuse of public funds in the City of Martin, leading to indictments of Mayor Randy Brundige, Economic Development Director Brad Thompson and former city employee Natalie Brundige. Investigators found that the officials collectively misappropriated more than $450,000 through unauthorized credit card use, luxury travel and unearned compensation. Additionally, Thompson's personal consulting firm billed the city for for grant-writing and administrative services that were already part of his duties. Comptroller Jason Mumpower called the case “troubling,” emphasizing the need for stronger oversight of city spending and employee accountability. The three were indicted by the Weakley County Grand Jury on Monday. WBBJ reports on the developments.

Join moderator and TBA YLD President Judge Alex McVeagh and four Tennessee judges on Nov. 20 for a one-hour conversation about their paths from first-generation lawyers to serving on the bench. Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sarah Campbell, Davidson County General Sessions Judge Ana Escobar, Court of Appeals Judge John W. McClarty and 21st Judicial District Circuit Court Judge David Veile will share how they built their careers without direct ties to the legal profession, the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned along the way. Whether you are a first-generation attorney or simply interested in the journeys of those who serve in the judiciary, this program will offer practical insights, encouragement and a candid look at what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the legal field. For more information and to register visit the TBA's website.