Margaret Chesney | Memphis Family Lawyer

• Member | Tennessee State Bar Association

In family law cases, hopefully, your attorney is always making a big difference in your case. Recently, I represented a father in a case where both parents were making contempt allegations against the other that could have landed both of the parents in jail as a punishment for the contempt allegations. Fortunately, opposing counsel and I were able to present the facts to the judge in a manner that allowed the Court to feel sympathy for the parties and order counseling for the parties, which should ultimately benefit their on-going c0-parenting relationship rather than send one or both of the parents to jail.

By being honest with all of my clients and with the Court always; by timely communications with the clients and the Court; and by building a reputation as an honest and diligent attorney who advocates for my client's position.

Honesty, integrity, knowledge of the law, and timely communication with the client and with the Court.

Very important. While the law of the State of Tennessee should not vary from courtroom to courtroom or jurisdiction to jurisdiction, it is important to know how your particular judge on your particular case prefers to hear things and how they want the law practiced locally in that particular judge's Courtroom. It is important to start off on a good footing with the judge by following his or her local rules of practice.

Generally, the stages of a divorce in Tennessee so that the potential client can know what to expect. I also hear about the potential client's particular facts in the case so that I can give the potential client my assessment of what the approximate costs and fees may be in his or her case.

The docket number if any pleading has been filed; a copy of the filed pleadings; and notice of any hearing dates that are pending with the Court. I also need to know the name of their spouse, the names and ages of their children, if any, and whether or not the parties own any real estate.

The docket number if any pleading has been filed; a copy of the filed pleadings; and notice of any hearing dates that are pending with the Court. I also need to know the name of their spouse, the names and ages of their children, if any, and whether or not the parties own any real estate.

Helping clients successfully get through a stressful divorce proceeding.

Reading, travel, exercise, family.

I am involved in the legal community and in my church.