WomensLaw is not just for women. We serve and support all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.
Important: Even if courts are closed, you can still file for a protection order and other emergency relief. See our FAQ on Courts and COVID-19.
Legal Information: Tennessee
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
© 2008–2020 WomensLaw.org is a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is funded in part through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). NNEDV is a 501©(3) non-profit organization; EIN 52-1973408.
English
Español
