How Do You File A Defense With The Court For Child Custody In Tennessee?
If you have been served with a child custody suit via a petition for divorce or a separate suit for child custody (in the case of a non-married couple), according to Tennessee Rules of Procedure Rule 12.01, you must file responsive pleadings with the court within 30 days. Most commonly, the defendant files an answer and a counterclaim, but if the petitioner’s complaint is lacking, you can request dismissal of the suit. If you do not file a responsive pleading, you waive your defenses. Format the caption of the pleading with the names of the parties, the name of the court and the county where the action is filed. The caption must also contain the case number and the title of the action (for example, Answer, Motion to Dismiss). Write the introductory paragraph by introducing each party to the lawsuit. The title of the party (petitioner or respondent) and the party’s full name is spelled out. Common language used is, “Comes now, the Respondent [Your name in caps and bold] and files this,
