Week 1
Welcome to our very first newsletter!
Today marks my official first day on the bench as your Third Circuit Court Judge, and my heart is filled with overwhelming gratitude. Taking the oath to serve this community is the honor of a lifetime.
When I set out on this path, my reason for wanting to become a judge was simple: I wanted to build a courtroom where every person who walks through the door genuinely feels heard. Family matters carry immense weight, and navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming. I want you to know that in this courtroom, your voice matters, your family matters, and no concern is ever overlooked.
“When it comes to Family, no issue is too big or too small for the Third Circuit Court; It all matters.”
To kick off our commitment to transparency and access, this monthly newsletter will break down how the court works and connect you with local support. Here is a quick look at what you need to know this month:
Demystifying the Court
2 Terms You Need to Know
Legal terminology can sound like a foreign language. Here is what two common terms actually mean for you and your family:
Guardian ad Litem
In family court cases involving children, you might hear this term used. A Guardian ad Litem is an attorney appointed by the court solely to investigate and represent the best interests of the child. They do not work for Mom, and they do not work for Dad. They talk to the child, visit homes, review records, and make an independent recommendation to help the court protect the child's well-being.
Parenting Plan
Think of a Parenting Plan as the legal roadmap for your children. It outlines where the kids sleep on weeknights, how holidays are split, who makes medical decisions, and how transportation is handled. It exists so everyone—parents and kids—knows what to expect. You can write one together with the other parent, or the court can help resolve the gaps. Ultimately, it is about clarity for the child, not "winning."
3 Key Local Resources
Before Coming to Court
If you are preparing for a family court matter in Nashville, you do not have to figure it out entirely on your own. Keep these three vital resources in mind:
- Resource: Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- What They Do: Your primary point of contact for court forms, filing questions, and schedule confirmation.
- Resource: Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee
- What They Do: Provides free or low-cost civil legal assistance and guidance if you qualify.
- Resource: The Family Safety Center
- What They Do: Offers dedicated support, safety planning, and community resources if domestic violence is involved.
Thank you for placing your trust in me. I look forward to serving Davidson County with fairness, empathy, and integrity every single day.
Warmly,
Judge Corletra Mance
Third Circuit Court