How is mediation considered a "voluntary" process if a Judge can order me to attend the mediation session?  A Judge can 

order a party to attend the mediation session but the party still has the freedom to enter or not to enter into an agreement that may be developed in the mediation session.  Attendance may be mandatory by a Judge's order but the agreement must be voluntarily entered into in order to be valid.

My spouse and I filled out those free divorce forms from the internet but the Judge said we didn't do them right and he won't sign off on our divorce.  Can you help?  Perhaps.  Sometimes it's just a matter of reviewing what you've filed and making the necessary changes to your divorce papers so they adhere to Tennessee State law and local rules.  Often times we can assist with specific issues as needed through our Limited Scope Legal Services.

​What can happen if I file the wrong divorce forms?  Some mistakes are irreversible. You may not be able to undo what you've filed...despite its devastating outcome.  Consider having a professional attorney review your divorce forms beforeyou file the wrong divorce papers with the court.  

frequently asked questions

document preparation service

Going through a divorce is confusing and exhausting.  I feel completely overwhelmed!  Can you help me with drafting my divorce papers?ABSOLUTELY!  Our online Document Preparation Service is to assist the self-representing or "pro se" party in completing the necessary divorce papers for divorces with and without children.   Through our detailed worksheet, we can customize your divorce documents to fit your specific circumstances.  Don't leave your important court documents up to chance.  Contact us to learn more about our low-cost Document Preparation Service.   Your divorce documents will be drafted by Attorney Christine Barrett.   

Mediation

My spouse has set up a mediation session so we can try to reach an agreement about the house and the kids.  I'm nervous and think I need some guidance during the mediation and before I agree to anything.  Can you help me?  Yes. With a reservation and prior arrangements, you can have the peace of mind that a lawyer is available while you attend the mediation session alone. For some geographic locations and depending upon availability, the Attorney may be able to attend the mediation session with you to guide you through the entire process.

HOW CAN I HELP?

Attorney Christine Barrett

​

tnlaw.legal@gmail.com

or

tnlaw@hotmail.com

Attorney Christine Barrett

free divorce forms

I've tried to fill out the free divorce forms myself but I'm confused and unsure of what I'm doing.  Can you help me with my free divorce forms? ABSOLUTELY!  Through Limited Scope Legal Services, we're here to assist the self-representing party in completing the necessary divorce forms for no-fault divorces with and without children at any stage before filing.  A lot of times the free divorce forms you get online are confusing and have incomplete instructions.  We can help you understand your free divorce forms and how to use them properly.  With our Limited Scope Legal Services, you decide what help you need.  Some clients need our assistance in reviewing what they've already done before filing their divorce forms and going to court. While others need more assistance in explaining certain terms and their impact in an agreement.  Typically our document preparation service is the least expensive alternative. 

Affordable legal services

           Limited Scope Legal Service is an AFFORDABLE option

Gain confidence in knowing your court documents were prepared by a professional.

Do you still have questions about our Limited Scope Legal Services?   EMAIL US at: tnlaw.legal@gmail.comortnlaw@hotmail.com

COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW

​Do you accept "Collaborative cases"?  Yes, the attorney may be available to help you in your Collaborative family law case.

Do both parties have to agree to a Collaborative divorce?   Yes.  Both parties and their attorneys must agree in writing to a Collaborative case.   Everyone agrees to negotiate instead of litigating.  Less tension, less time, and less cost, for a satisfactory outcome!

​​What type of cases can I use Limited Scope Legal Representation?  Limited Scope Legal Representation was made available through Rule 11 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure.  Our law office offers  Limited Scope Legal Services for DIVORCE,  FAMILY LAW matters, and other select civil cases filed in any Tennessee Civil and Chancery Courts governed by TRCP.   

Do you offer help in CRIMINAL or JUVENILE Court Cases?   No.  Our Limited Scope Legal Services are not offered in cases governed by the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure or Rules of Juvenile Court.  

Can you help me with my appeal?  No. Our legal services are not designed for appeals.

Do you accept cases filed in other states?  No.  Our Limited Scope Legal Service is for cases filed in Tennessee only. 

Do you offer full legal representation?  Typically no.  However, in some cases, our Attorney may be available in Collaborative Family Law cases.

fees and payments

How much do your limited-scope legal services cost?  That depends upon the specific services needed by the client.  Limited Scope Legal Services are much more affordable than full representation.  See our Contact page to send your specific questions and information about the limited legal assistance you require. You are under no obligation when requesting a free estimate!  We offer a wide variety of specific and limited services tailored to meet your needs.  Most limited-scope legal services can be started with a down payment and no credit check.  Contact us for a FREE fee estimate for our Limited Scope Legal Services.

How much does your Agreed Divorce Document Preparation cost?   Fees vary depending on children, real estate, retirement, and other circumstances involved in the case.   Contact us for a FREE no-obligation fee estimate to prepare your court document for civil cases such as Agreed Divorce,  Contested/Non-agreed Divorce, Custody, Paternity, Name Change, Modification of  Parenting Plans, Child Support Worksheet and Child Support Calculations, etc.

Do you have PAYMENT PLANS? Typically YES.  Most of our online services qualify for our in-house payment plan.  A payment plan may depend upon the time constraints of the case. Breaking up your case into sections allows for smaller payments and payment plans that may not otherwise be available with full representation or by other law firms. 

ADDITIONAL PAYMENT PLANS may be offered and available through PayPal to qualified applicants. 

What forms of payment do you accept?  We accept payments through PAYPAL only.  Payment can be made with a credit card, debit card, or bank account set up through your FREE PayPal account.   In some cases, additional financing with approved credit may be available with PayPal. 

Does the fee include "filing fees"?   No. Fees for limited-scope legal services do not include any applicable filing fees, court costs, or other case-related expenses.  However, in some cases, filing fees may be waived or postponed to the end of the case upon request and qualifications as determined by the Court.  

Can I use your services if I am currently represented by an attorney in the case?  No.  To qualify for our limited scope legal services, you must be unrepresented by an attorney and willing to represent yourself (ie, "self-represented" or "Pro Se")

Does it matter that I don't live in Tennessee even though my case is filed in a Tennessee Civil Circuit or Chancery Court? With Limited Scope Legal Services, you are representing yourself at all times regardless of where you live.  You are solely responsible for filing your court documents in the Tennessee county and court where the case is filed and meeting all deadlines.  You must attend court as often and as necessary as your case requires, regardless of the geographical distance or financial hardship.  Due to the high volume of need, at peak periods we may limit our legal services to Tennessee residents only. 

Can I cancel legal services?  Yes.  The client may terminate our legal services AT ANY TIME.    

Why do the offer and quote for legal services have an expiration date?  Attorney's time is finite and availability is limited.  To give proper attention to every case, we limit the number of cases we accept at any given time.  If your offer expires without submitting the signed retainer agreement and minimum down payment, you will not be able to "reactive" it upon request.   You will need to contact us and possibly re-submit your application for services because your situation may have changed, the fees may have changed, and/or our caseload may be full or nearing the limit.

Where can I get a copy of my court file?  You may request a copy of the documents filed in your court case from the Court Clerk where the case is filed.  Expect to pay a copy fee as determined by the court clerk's office.

How can I submit the signed retainer agreement and requested information?  Retainer agreements are sent using an easy electronic signing app, available for use on PC, tablets, and smartphones.  To submit copies of requested documents or any other information, you can take a  complete and legible photo or scan and attach the picture to the email.  In some areas, your local library, or office supply store (such as Staples or UPS store) may be able to assist you.

Can I mail my information or payment to you?  No.  We only accept payments through PAYPAL.  

E-sign Retainer Agreements online and other information by email.  

Can you help me if I have to file a response in a couple of days?  Perhaps, depending upon availability and the time frame given.  For a premium, you may need to use our RUSH SERVICE. 

​How do I get started?  Our limited scope legal services are done online through email.  The benefit to you is that you do not have to take time out of your busy schedule for an appointment.  Upon your first email contact with us, you will be asked basic questions typically in the form of a FREE Initial Case Evaluation to determine what specific services we can offer in your unique situation.    Upon acceptance of your case, a no-obligation offer of services and fee quote will be emailed to you. 

What is the procedure for your document drafting service?  There are basically 3 steps.  STEP 1)  E-Sign  Attorney-Client Limited Scope Retainer Agreement and make your PayPal payment.    STEP 2) Return the completed worksheet and make the 2nd PayPal payment.  STEP 3) When you receive your court documents,  follow the step-by-step instructions.  

What if I need more help after the divorce papers are completed?  We offer a wide variety of other limited-scope legal services as needed and available.   Contact us for more assistance.

Can I get a divorce even though I don't know where my spouse is?  

YES, typically you may. However, you are REQUIRED to make a reasonable and good-faith effort to find your spouse. Through our inexpensive document preparation service and step-by-step instructions, we help our clients get their spouse served in the USA even if they don't know the spouse's current whereabouts.   

NO, if the spouse is in the Military or the spouse is not in the US. 

Can you help me if my spouse is in a foreign country?  Yes, only if both parties are in complete agreement, will cooperate, and sign all the necessary court documents.  However, our Limited Scope Legal Services are not designed for international non-agreed or contested cases.  

Do you prepare court documents for cases in other states?  No.  The attorney is only licensed in Tennessee.  If your case is in another state, you will need to seek a professional, licensed in that state, for assistance.

What computer programs do you use?   We use PDF and Word [WPS (www.wps.com) is a FREE WORD download available for PC, Android, and other devices].  Retainer Agreements are sent through an easy E-signing app. Payments are accepted through PayPal only.   Court documents are sent in PDF format through your email. 

Can I use my Smart Phone with your services?  Most phones have limited capabilities.  It is recommended that you have a private email address, access to the internet, a computer, and a printer.    Office supplies (Staples, UPS Stores, etc.) and copy stores may have access for a fee.  Most libraries have FREE access.

Why am I requested to contact the office through email?  To assist as many clients as possible, with accountability and record-keeping purposes, it is our policy to correspond through the convenient method of email.  We also find it helpful in avoiding misunderstandings. A saved written copy of correspondence, such as specific answers or instructions, can be used for future reference as needed by our client. 

Does the Attorney go to court with me?  No.  Due to the increasing need for our limited-scope legal services in all Tennessee Counties, Attorney is not available for court appearances.

Can you give ME assistance as I help my relative or friend with their case?  No.  We do not work through a third party contacting us for someone else.  The adult person must be a party in the case and must contact us directly through their own private email or through our Contact page.   For confidentiality reasons, we will not knowingly communicate with relatives, friends, or others helping on someone else's behalf. It's the law!  

Do you accept Legal Insurance?   No.  We are not affiliated with any legal insurance company or program.  However, your case may qualify for a Payment Plan.

I work weekdays between 8 am - 5 pm, can I still get help?  YES!  This is a virtual law office and we are not limited to the operating hours of traditional law firms.   We do not operate 24/7, however, we are generally available by email most days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.   Due to the high volume of need, please be patient for a response that is typically sent within 2 business days.                               

                     EMAIL:    tnlaw.legal@gmail.com   or   tnlaw@hotmail.com