Legal Information: Tennessee

Custody

Updated: 
November 9, 2021

If I am a domestic violence victim, would I be required to participate in mediation?

Most custody or visitation cases may be referred to mediation to try to come to an agreement with the help of a mediator instead of going to trial. However, if you have a valid order of protection in effect or there are court findings of domestic abuse, the judge can only send the parties to mediation if you (the victim) agree to it and if the mediator is specifically trained in domestic violence. You would also have the right to have a support person, such as an attorney or advocate, with you.1

1 TN ST §§ 36-6-107(a); 36-6-305

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