Legal Question in Family Law in Tennessee

Child neglect and removal

My sister moved to Tennessee on July 15,2004 into a home that she is part owner of, received as an inheritence. On July 17th child welfare was called because she had her three children there and no utilities were on yet. That is because all the companies would not turn them on unless she was there. The neighbors helped by getting her a few things she would need to get started. She went to have the utilities turned on almost one week after arrival. She had the water on for one hour when the pipes under the house burst. We have contacted the insurance on our home trying to get them fixed. In the mean time child welfare came out and had her arrested, they dropped the charges and told her to get her stuff together. She was told it was going to cost 1500.00 to fix the pipes. She had only lived there for 2 weeks at this point. They are now telling her that they will remove the children in 30 days if it is not fixed but are giving us the run around on everything relating to a break in that occured 2 weeks prior to her arrival. What ground does my sister have if any? Can they do this without giving her time to get a job to get the money to Pay for it?


Asked on 8/19/04, 9:56 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: Child neglect and removal

If she inherited the house and it has enough equity, tell her to take a home equity loan out, get the pipes fixed and the problem is solved. Otherwise, watch her kids for her until the problem is solved. Bill Stern

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Answered on 8/20/04, 8:00 am
Henry J. Legere, Jr. Law Office of Henry J. Legere, Jr.

Re: Child neglect and removal

CPS is concerned about the welfare of the children. In order for a home considered adequate and appropriate for children it needs to have a means to provide heat and water. If there is no water it raises concerns for the children's health. Have her ask CPS to assist her with some grant money to have the pipes repaired. They should be able to provide her with assistance. In the mean time she should have her children stay with a relative until the house is habitable. Good luck.

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Answered on 8/20/04, 10:48 pm


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