CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE

As we enter a time of uncertainty, I want to personally assure everyone that my office will remain open and that the health and safety of our clients and staff are of the utmost concern.  Therefore, we are introducing some policies and procedures to keep our staff and clients safe.  We will transition meetings to phone or other platforms such as Zoom or Skype, whenever possible, and we will disinfect surfaces in our office frequently. Neither myself nor my staff will be at the office if we are symptomatic and we request that you also not come to our office or to your hearings if you are symptomatic. 

Also, an important action taken by the Tennessee Supreme Court on Friday may affect your case. The Court entered an Order suspending in-person court proceedings, with some limited exceptions through March 31, 2020.  The exceptions are listed below:

• Proceedings necessary to protect constitutional rights of criminal defendants, including bond-related matters and plea agreements for incarcerated individuals
• Civil and criminal jury trials that are in progress as of March 13, 2020 
• Proceedings related to relief from abuse, including but not limited to orders of protection 
• Proceedings related to emergency child custody orders 
• Department of Children’s Services emergency matters related to child protection
• Proceedings related to petitions for temporary injunctive relief 
• Proceedings related to emergency mental health orders 
• Proceedings related to emergency protection of elderly or vulnerable persons 
• Proceedings directly related to the COVID-19 public health emergency 
• Other exceptions as approved by the Chief Justice

If you have any questions about how this Order may affect your case or your family, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (865) 246-0673 or by email at office [at] attorneydewhirst [dot] com

Please take care of yourselves and each other. 

Sincerely yours,

Hillary Dewhirst

Owner/Attorney At Law