Understanding Mediation vs Court in Gallatin, TN In my experience— almost always . Whether you're navigating divorce, custody, child support , or visitation, mediation offers a pathway that avoids the emotional, physical, and mental toll that often comes with traditional litigation. Sure, going to trial can be financially draining, but the real cost is harder to measure: the stress on you—and especially on your children. As an attorney who went through my own parents’ divorce

Understanding Tennessee Custody Laws in 2025: Key Factors Courts Consider Introduction Custody laws in Tennessee have evolved over time. In the past, mothers were often assumed to be the primary caregivers in child custody cases. However, in 2025 , courts focus on parenting responsibilities  rather than outdated gender roles. Tennessee law (TCA 36-6-106)  ensures that custody decisions are based on the child's well-being. Understanding Tennessee Custody Laws Under TCA 36-6-10

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise Getting arrested is stressful, but your actions can make a huge difference in your case. Many people unknowingly turn a misdemeanor into a felony  by panicking, resisting, or hiding evidence. Here’s what you need to know: 🚫 What NOT to Do: ❌ Run:  Fleeing on foot is a misdemeanor, but fleeing in a vehicle is a felony. ❌ Hide or destroy evidence:  That’s considered tampering—another felony. ❌ Sneak evidence into jail:  If caugh

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise When police approach you—whether at a traffic stop, your home, or elsewhere—it’s important to recognize the seriousness of the situation. If they want to talk to you about a potential crime, you’re likely under investigation. What you do next could have a significant impact on your case and your future. The first rule of thumb : Stay calm, stay silent, and request an attorney. Why Silence Matters Many people believe they can t

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise When facing criminal charges , one of the biggest decisions is whether to take a plea deal or go to trial. Attorney Jay Ingrum  of Ingrum Law Firm  breaks down the risks and rewards of each option. Preparing for War, Praying for Peace Every case should be prepared as if it’s going to trial, but that doesn’t mean trial is always the best choice. Trials are unpredictable—what might seem like a minor victory in court can still res

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise One of the most common frustrations clients have with attorneys is a lack of communication. They don’t get return calls. They don’t receive updates. They feel left in the dark about their own case. At Ingrum Law Firm, we take a different approach. Our goal is simple: keep our clients informed, every step of the way. 1. Realistic Expectations & Constant Updates From day one, we set clear and realistic expectations about your cas

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise For many attorneys, the first jury trial is an unforgettable experience. There’s a mix of nerves and adrenaline, the excitement of presenting a case, and the weight of responsibility in advocating for a client. It’s a defining moment—one that truly makes you feel  like a lawyer. The Courtroom vs. Reality Before entering criminal defense , I worked as an insurance adjuster while attending law school. That experience gave me valu

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise For many attorneys, their first jury trial is a milestone moment. It’s a blend of nerves and adrenaline that sparks an undeniable excitement for the practice of law. Criminal defense work , in particular, brings this experience into sharp focus. As a lawyer, the courtroom becomes a stage where preparation meets opportunity. While most civil and criminal cases settle before reaching trial, the rare moments when a case does go be

When it comes to parenting plans, the courts prioritize one thing above all else: the best interest of the child. Attorney Austin V. Knapp explains the nuances of securing a 50/50 parenting plan and why it’s not as straightforward as it might seem. While many judges favor equal shared parenting arrangements, they also recognize that such plans only work when both parents can communicate effectively. For example, in Davidson County, the court often starts with a temporary 50/5

In Tennessee, laws are consistent statewide, but courtroom procedures can vary significantly depending on the county or judicial district. Attorney Austin V. Knapp sheds light on the importance of understanding local and chamber rules when navigating the legal system. Every county and judicial district has its own set of local rules, which can impact interrogatories, discovery requests, production of documents, and timelines for filing motions. These rules play a critical rol

When involved in a divorce or custody case, substance abuse issues can be a significant concern for the court. However, Attorney Austin V. Knapp emphasizes that these challenges don’t have to define the outcome of your case. In family law matters , the court's focus isn’t on punishment—it’s on ensuring the safety and well-being of your children. If you’re facing substance-related challenges, here’s how you can proactively address the court’s concerns: 1️⃣ Acknowledge the issu

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise At Ingrum Law, we believe that every addition to our team strengthens our ability to serve our clients. This is why we’re excited to introduce Austin V. Knapp , who has been with us for about a month and is already making an impact. Austin brings a wealth of experience to the team, having spent over six years focusing on domestic law. However, his passion for general practice, criminal matters , and estate planning led him to I

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise We are thrilled to welcome Austin V. Knapp  to the Ingrum Law Firm, PLLC team! With nearly a decade of experience, Austin has built a remarkable reputation as a dedicated and compassionate attorney specializing in domestic law. His legal expertise and unwavering commitment to his clients make him an invaluable asset to our firm. Austin's Legal Journey A proud native of Kingsport, Tennessee, Austin began his distinguished career

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise In the world of law, national political trends can significantly influence local legislation. This is especially true in Tennessee, where conservative values often guide legislative decisions. At Ingrum Law, we believe it’s crucial to stay informed on national developments to anticipate how they might impact the lives of our clients in areas such as marriage, divorce, and adoption. Here’s why understanding this relationship mat

Legal Lens: Viewing Through Ingrum Expertise In the fast-paced world of law, knowledge is a powerful tool. At Ingrum Law, we believe that an attorney’s role extends beyond understanding statutes and case law; it encompasses staying informed about the world around us. This approach, rooted in a commitment to lifelong learning and community awareness, empowers us to better understand and serve our clients. Here’s why we prioritize being informed and how it impacts the way we ad

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise In the world of law, change is the only constant. Whether you are dealing with a divorce , criminal matter , probate case , or any other legal issue, the laws that govern these areas evolve regularly. This fluid nature of the legal system is why it’s essential to rely on a legal expert rather than informal advice from non-lawyers. Even well-meaning friends and family may not have access to the latest legal updates, which could

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise Middle Tennessee has experienced a significant surge in property values over the past several years, and this has had a profound effect on divorce settlements . While the increase in equity can be beneficial for couples, it also presents new challenges, particularly when it comes to finding new housing. Divorcing couples often find that the cost of replacing their marital home with something comparable is far more difficult tha

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend in couples divorcing after their children leave home . Often called “empty nest divorces,” these situations present unique challenges but also unique opportunities, especially in terms of property division. With children out of the home, couples are more open to downsizing, selling their family home, and starting fresh. In this blog, we’ll explore the factors that empty nesters

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise Divorce is a difficult process, especially when children are involved. While ending a...

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise In recent years, Sumner County has experienced a significant increase in property...