Jeffrey Wade Myrick v. Gloria Denise Myrick
M2013-01513-COA-R3-CV
The issue presented in this case is whether alimony in futuro was properly terminated by the trial court. The parties entered into a marital dissolution agreement, which provided that Husband/Appellee would pay Wife/Appellant alimony in futuro until death, remarriage, or “until a third person not the Wife’s child, moves into the Wife’s residence.” The marital dissolution agreement was incorporated, by reference, into the final decree of divorce. Thereafter,Wife’s mother moved into Wife’s home,and Husband filed a motion to terminate his support obligation based upon the occurrence of the suspending condition. The trial court granted Husband’s petition, finding that the parties’ agreement for alimony in futuro was contractual in nature and that the unambiguous language mandated cessation of Husband’s support obligation when Wife’s mother moved into Wife’s home. Based upon the provision for attorney’s fees in the parties’ marital dissolution agreement, the trial court also awarded Husband his attorney’s fees and costs. Wife appeals. Discerning no error, we affirm and remand.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Steven Stafford
Originating Judge:Tom E. Gray |
Sumner County | Court of Appeals | 06/19/14 | |
Mary Lisa Gaston Luplow v. Martin Duane Luplow
M2013-01399-COA-R3-CV
This is an appeal in a divorce case, where Wife appeals the classification and division of marital property and debt, the calculation of the division of the proceeds from the sale of the marital residence, the dismissal of the contempt petition she filed against Husband, and the failure to award her attorney fees. Husband appeals the classification of certain real property and the division of marital debt; he also requests his fees on appeal. We modify the judgment allocating the marital debt and awarding $16,691 to Wife as alimony in solido; we affirm the judgment in all other respects
Authoring Judge: Judge Richard H. Dinkins
Originating Judge:Judge Phillip R. Robinson |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 06/19/14 | |
Clayton Arden, Surviving Spouse v. Kenya L. Kozawa, M. D.
E2013-01598-COA-R3-CV
The plaintiff, as surviving spouse, appeals the trial court’s dismissal of his health care liability action against the defendant doctor who treated the plaintiff’s wife prior to her death and the hospital wherein the treatment occurred. The trial court granted the defendants’ motions for summary judgment based upon the plaintiff’s failure to strictly comply with the pre-suit notice requirements of Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-26-121 (Supp. 2013). We reverse the trial court’s ruling that the plaintiff had to strictly comply with the provisions of the notice requirement and conclude that the plaintiff substantially complied with said requirement. We affirm, however, the trial court’s ruling that the plaintiff could not rely upon the statutory 120-day extension of the statute of limitations due to his failure to properly serve the notice. We therefore affirm the trial court’s dismissal of the plaintiff’s claims as barred by the statute of limitations.
Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas R. Frierson
Originating Judge:Judge J. Michael Sharp |
Monroe County | Court of Appeals | 06/18/14 | |
In Re Kason C. Et Al.
M2013-02624-COA-R3-PT
Father appeals the termination of his parental rights to his two children. The juvenile court found the Department of Children’s Services established four grounds for termination of father’s parental rights: 1) parent sentenced to ten or more years for any criminal act and the children are under eight years of age pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-113(g)(6); 2) parent sentenced to more than two years for conduct against a child or sibling/half-sibling of the child who is the subject of the petition pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-113(g)(5);
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Donna Scott Davenport |
Rutherford County | Court of Appeals | 06/17/14 | |
In Re Aaliyah R.
M2013-01882-COA-R3-PT
Mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. The trial court found four grounds for termination of Mother’s parental rights: substantial noncompliance with the requirements of the permanency plan, failure to support financially, failure to provide a suitable home, and persistence of conditions; the court also determined that termination was in the best interest of the child. Mother appeals arguing the evidence is insufficient to establish any of the grounds and that termination was in the child’s best interest. We have determined that the evidence clearly and convincingly supported two of the grounds, that of substantial noncompliance with the requirements of the permanency plan and persistence of conditions. We have also determined that termination was in the child’s best interest. Therefore, we affirm the termination of Mother’s parental rights.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Donna Scott Davenport |
Rutherford County | Court of Appeals | 06/17/14 | |
Jay Wilfong v. CRK Real Estate , LLC, Et Al
M2013-00188-COA-R3-CV
This case arose out of a contract for the sale of real estate. The contract included a provision requiring the buyer to make “commercially reasonable efforts” to sell the property, and to split any profits with the seller if the property was resold within 36 months. The buyer did not sell the property, and the seller brought suit, raising numerous claims, including breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, violations of the Real Estate Settlement Practices Act (RESPA), the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act, the Consumer Protection Act, RICO, wrongful foreclosure, promissory fraud, civil conspiracy, collusion, intentional infliction of emotional distress, constructive trust, conversion and unjust enrichment. After a hearing, the trial court granted the buyer’s motion to dismiss thirteen of the seller’s claims, denied the motion to dismiss another six of his claims, and certified its order as final for the purposes of appeal under Tenn. R. Civ. P. 54.02. We affirm the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge Don R. Ash
Originating Judge:Judge Charles K. Smith |
Wilson County | Court of Appeals | 06/17/14 | |
Tina Wilder v. Union County Board of Education
E2013-02459-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises from the dismissal of a tenured teacher. The Union County Board of Education (“the Board”) dismissed Tina Wilder (“Wilder”) following an incident involving underage drinking at Wilder’s lake cabin. Wilder, contesting her dismissal, filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the Chancery Court for Union County (“the Trial Court”). The Trial Court concluded that the evidence sustained Wilder’s dismissal. Wilder raises several issues on appeal. We hold, inter alia, that Wilder was afforded due process, that the Trial Court applied the correct standard of review, and that the evidence supported the Trial Court’s decision. We affirm the judgment of the Trial Court.
Authoring Judge: Judge D. Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Judge Andrew Tillman |
Union County | Court of Appeals | 06/16/14 | |
Kathy D. Palmore v. Linda K. Neal, Et Al.
M2013-02153-COA-R3-CV
Former employee brought an action for retaliatory discharge and intentional interference with employment. The trial court dismissed the complaint pursuant to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 12.02(6). Having determined the complaint failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, we affirm the dismissal.
Authoring Judge: Special Judge J. Mark Rogers
Originating Judge:Judge C. L. Rogers |
Wilson County | Court of Appeals | 06/12/14 | |
In Re: Conservatorship of Maurice M. Acree, Jr.
M2013-02588-COA-R3-CV
The trial court approved and affirmed the final accounting of a trust held in a conservatorship estate and closed the conservatorship following the death of the Ward. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Judge Walter C. Kurtz |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 06/11/14 | |
Jerry Beech v. John Doe
M2013-02496-COA-R3-CV
The plaintiff in this case brought suit to recover uninsured motorist benefits. The insurance company moved for summary judgment contending that the plaintiff was not entitled to coverage because he was not “upon” the insured vehicle so as to “occupy” it. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the insurance company and we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Judge Robert L. Jones |
Maury County | Court of Appeals | 06/11/14 | |
City of Athens v. Blair Strong Enterprises, LLC, d/b/a Open Door Cafe
E2013-02405-COA-R3-CV
This appeal challenges a citation for an alleged violation of a city ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages to a person under the age of twenty-one. A municipal judge and the trial court found against the appellant restaurant. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: John W. McClarty
Originating Judge:Judge Lawrence H. Puckett |
McMinn County | Court of Appeals | 06/10/14 | |
In Re Hannah H., Et Al.
E2013-01211-COA-R3-PT
This is a termination of parental rights case. Following a hearing, the trial court found clear and convincing evidence existed to support the termination of the parental rights of both the mother and the father on the statutory grounds of abandonment based on failure to provide a suitable home, failure to substantially fulfill the requirements of the permanency plans, and persistence of conditions. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 36-1-113(g)(1)-(3), 36-1-102(1)(A)(ii), 37-2- 403(a)(2). The court further concluded that termination was in the best interest of the children. Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-113(i). The mother and father appeal. Finding no reversible error, we affirm the decision of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge John W. McClarty
Originating Judge:Judge Dwight E. Stokes |
Sevier County | Court of Appeals | 06/10/14 | |
William H. Fleming v. Tejinder Saini, M.D. and Healthquest Clinic
W2013-01540-COA-R3-CV
This is an appeal from the denial of a post-judgment motion. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiff’s lawsuit. At the hearing on the motion, the plaintiff agreed to dismissal of his lawsuit. The trial court entered an order dismissing the lawsuit and assessing court costs against the plaintiff. The plaintiff filed a timely motion to alter or amend, asking the trial court to reconsider the award of court costs; this was denied. The plaintiff filed a second motion to alter or amend, again seeking reconsideration of the award of court costs; this request for reconsideration was denied as well. The plaintiff now appeals the trial court’s order on the second post-judgment motion. Discerning no error, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Judge Gina C. Higgins |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 06/10/14 | |
Cleveland Custom Stone, Et Al. v. Acuity Mutual Insurance Company
E2013-02132-COA-R3-CV
This case concerns Acuity’s refusal to pay insurance proceeds to Plaintiffs, who filed suit, alleging negligence, breach of contract, bad faith refusal to pay, and violations of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, codified at Tennessee Code Annotated section 47-18- 101, et. seq. The case proceeded to jury trial. The jury awarded Plaintiff compensatory damages and found that Acuity’s failure to pay was in violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act. The jury declined to award punitive damages. Likewise, the trial court affirmed the verdict but did not treble the damages. Acuity appeals. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge John W. McClarty
Originating Judge:Judge Michael J. Sharp |
Bradley County | Court of Appeals | 06/10/14 | |
In The Matter of: Shayla H.
M2013-00567-COA-R3-JV
Mother and Father were divorced and Mother was designated as the primary residential parent of their child in 2003. Father filed a petition several years later seeking to have the designation of primary residential parent changed from Mother to himself. The trial court granted Father’s petition after determining Father had proved a material change in circumstances and it was in the child’s best interest for Father to become the primary residential parent. Mother appealed, and we affirm the trial court’s judgment.
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge Don R. Ash
Originating Judge:Judge Alan Edward Calhoun |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 06/09/14 | |
Deborah Evans Wilhoit v. Gary Dennis Wilhoit
M2013-01499-COA-R3-CV
Husband filed a petition to terminate his alimony obligation, asserting that he sold his dental practice following the entry of the final divorce decree for health reasons,as a result of which he was unable to pay alimony because his only income was social security benefits. The trial court found that husband’s retirement constituted a material and substantial change of circumstances, but declined to modify his obligation. Husband appeals the denial of his petition and wife appeals the denial of her request for attorney fees. We affirm the decision in part, reverse in part and remand for further consideration.
Authoring Judge: Judge Richard H. Dinkins
Originating Judge:Chancellor Tom E. Gray |
Sumner County | Court of Appeals | 06/09/14 | |
Aaron Bissinger, Et Al v. New Country Buffett, Et Al.
M2011-02183-COA-R9-CV
A man who suffered a blood infection after eating raw summer oysters at a Nashville restaurant filed suit against the restaurant, claiming that the oysters were contaminated because they were kept at an improper temperature. The restaurant owner answered, and among other things he named three companies in the supply chain that furnished the oysters to the defendant restaurant as possibly liable under the doctrine of comparative fault. The plaintiff subsequently died, and his executor was substituted as plaintiff. The executor filed an amended complaint that added the suppliers as defendants, and included claims against all the defendants of negligence, negligence per se, product liability, and breach of warranty. All the parties filed motions for summary judgment. The trial court denied the defendant restaurant’s motion for summary judgment, but it granted summary judgment to the defendant suppliers on all issues except failure to warn. After studying the voluminous record in this case, we affirm all the trial court’s rulings on the summary motions against the restaurant. We affirm the trial court’s grant of summary judgment to the suppliers, and reverse the denial of summary judgment to them for failure to warn.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Judge Hamilton V. Gayden, Jr. |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 06/06/14 | |
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority D/B/A Erlanger Health System v. United Healthcare Plan of The River Valley, Inc. D/B/A Americhoice and Tennessee Attorney General
M2013-00942-COA-R9-CV
Hospital filed an action against TennCare managed care organization (“MCO”) for breach of contract and unjust enrichment when MCO refused to pay Hospital’s standard charges for emergencyservices and follow-up care. Hospital was notpart of MCO’s “provider network” under the TennCare regulations and therefore was “non-contract” provider. MCO alleged Hospital was required to accept as payment the rate TennCare specified in its regulations. MCO filed motion for summary judgment, and the trial court dismissed the portion of the complaint to which the TennCare regulations may apply due to lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The trial court determined the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (“UAPA”) divested it of jurisdiction because Hospital did not first seek a declaratory order from the Bureau of TennCare regarding the applicability of its regulations to Hospital’s dispute with MCO. Hospital appealed the dismissal of its claims, and we reverse. Because Hospital is not challenging applicabilityor validityof TennCare regulations,UAPA does not divest trial court of jurisdiction.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Chancellor Carol L. McCoy |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 06/06/14 | |
William Barry Wood v. Karla Davis, Commissioner of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, et al.
M2013-00400-COA-R3-CV
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development hired plaintiff in 2007 as an executive service appointment. The Department terminated his employment in 2011. In August 2012, Plaintiff filed a complaint based on 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging a violation of his due process rights. The trial court found that the statute of limitations for § 1983 actions had expired. Plaintiff appealed. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Andy D. Bennett
Originating Judge:Chancellor Carol L. McCoy |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 06/05/14 | |
William Barry Wood v. Karla Davis, Commissioner of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Et Al.
M2013-01008-COA-R3-CV
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development hired plaintiff in 2007 as an executive service appointment. The Department terminated his employment in 2011. He petitioned for a declaratory order stating that his position was actually career service and, therefore, he was entitled to notice and a hearing pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. The order was denied. He filed a chancerycourt petition for declaratoryand injunctive relief. The trial court held that his job classification was not reviewable under the facts of this case. He appealed. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Andy D. Bennett
Originating Judge:Chancellor Carol L. McCoy |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 06/05/14 | |
In Re: Conservatorship of Maurice M. Acree, Jr.
M2013-01905-COA-R3-CV
Plaintiff/Appellant appeals the trial court’s judgment awarding attorneys’ fees and affirming the final accounting of a trust in this conservatorship action. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Judge Walter C. Kurtz |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 06/04/14 | |
In Re: Estate of Betty D. Gentry Meek
M2013-01070-COA-R3-CV
The surviving husband who was excluded from his wife’s will filed a petition for elective-share, year’s support, exempt property, and homestead. The executors of her estate opposed the petition claiming the marriage was void ab initio because it was procured by fraud and misrepresentations, specifically alleging that he lied on the marriage license about his age and number of prior marriages. Alternatively, if he is the surviving spouse, they contend he is equitably estopped to assert such claims for the same underlying reasons. The trial court summarilydismissed the petition finding “(1) the marriage between [Plaintiff] and the Decedent was void ab initio due to the fraud perpetrated by [Plaintiff] in connection with false information supplied by him on the application for the parties’ marriage license; and (2) equitably estopped as a matter of law.” Based on these findings the trial court dismissed all claims. We have determined the marriage was not void ab initio; whether the marriage was voidable is now moot for any right to avoid the marriage abated upon the wife’s death. As for equitable estoppel, we have determined that summary judgment was inappropriate because essential facts are either disputed or not in the record, including whether the decedent relied on the misrepresentations to marry him. Accordingly, we reverse the award of summary judgment and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Frank G. Clement
Originating Judge:Chancellor Laurence M. McMillan |
Montgomery County | Court of Appeals | 06/04/14 | |
Mountain Wood Products, LLC v. Autumn Creek Firewood, LLC
E2013-01577-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves a contract dispute. The appellant distributor challenges the damages awarded to the appellee supplier under a supply contract for bagged firewood. Additionally, the supplier challenges the trial court’s failure to award damages for lost profits and tortious interference with prospective business. Discerning no error, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Chancellor Jeffrey F. Stewart |
Bledsoe County | Court of Appeals | 05/30/14 | |
Linus Thornton v. James A. Massey
W2013-01022-COA-R3-CV
This is the second appeal in this breach of contract case. The defendant property owner leased his recreational farm on a yearly basis to the plaintiff lessee. Their agreement included a provision that, when the farm sold, the plaintiff would received a percentage of the proceeds of the sale. The defendant eventually divided the farm into several parcels and sold the parcels at auction to different purchasers. The plaintiff asserted his right to a percentage of the proceeds. Thereafter, for reasons that are disputed, none of the sales of the various parcels of the farm closed. The plaintiff filed this lawsuit against the defendant owner, asserting that he was entitled to a percentage of the total sale price that would have been realized had all of the sales closed. After a trial, the trial court held in favor of the plaintiff, and the defendant appealed. In the first appeal, the appellate court affirmed in part but vacated the judgment and remanded for the trial court to make a factual finding as to whether the sales failed to close because of the purposeful actions of the defendant. On remand, the trial court found that the closings on the sales failed to take place because of the defendant owner’s purposeful actions. The trial court found that the defendant prevented the sales from closing in order to avoid paying the plaintiff the percentage owed him under the parties’ lease agreement. The trial court reinstated the damage award in favor of the plaintiff and awarded prejudgment and post-judgment interest. The defendant now appeals. Discerning no error, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. KIrby
Originating Judge:Judge C. Creed McGinley |
Hardin County | Court of Appeals | 05/30/14 | |
Shontel S. Ross, et al. v. Deidra L. Grandberry, M.D., et al.
W2013-00671-COA-R3-CV
Plaintiff filed a healthcare liability action in the general sessions court. At a docket call, defendant Methodist appeared and tendered a confession for the full $25,000 jurisdictional limit of the general sessions court. Plaintiff immediately sought to non-suit her claims against Methodist. The general sessions court denied Methodist’s tendered confession and it entered an order non-suiting Methodist. Plaintiff then refiled her suit against Methodist in the circuit court and Methodist moved for summary judgment based upon its tendered confession of judgment in the general sessions court. The circuit court granted summary judgment in favor of Methodist. We reverse the circuit court’s grant of summary judgment and we remand for further proceedings.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Judge James F. Russell |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 05/30/14 |