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| Nancy Nichols vs. Howard Nichols
W1999-00566-COA-R3-CV
This is a post-divorce action on modification of child support. The parties' original divorce decree required the father to pay child support and, in addition, pay the private school tuition of one of the parties' children. Months later, the father filed a petition to eliminate his obligation to pay the tuition. The trial court referred the issue to a referee, issued an order consistent with the referee's ruling, and then later set it aside. The trial court then referred the issue to a special master for findings of fact. Adopting the findings of the special master, the trial court eliminated the father's obligation to pay the child's private school tuition. The mother appeals, arguing that there was not a significant variance justifying modification of the child support award. We reverse, finding that the basis for the trial court's modification were facts that were before the trial court at the time of the initial award, and that there are no facts in the record sufficient to support modification.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Walter L. Evans |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 08/29/00 | |
| Emergicare Consultants vs. Barbara Woolbright
W1998-00659-COA-R3-CV
In this action, Emergicare Consultants, Inc., seeks to pierce the corporate veil of Medic Ambulance Service, Inc. Emergicare and Medic entered into a contract whereby Emergicare was to manage Medic. The purpose of the management contract was to streamline Medic in preparation for a sale to an ambulance consolidator. Emergicare claims that once it delved into the management of Medic, it discovered several abuses of the corporate form. As a result, Emergicare now seeks to pierce the corporate veil to impose personal liability on Medic's president, Barbara Woolbright, in order to recover $64,000 due under the management contract.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:D. J. Alissandratos |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 08/29/00 | |
| William Fleming vs. Leatha Fleming
W1999-01978-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves the division of marital property and award of alimony in futuro in an action for divorce. Husband receives retirement income from the United States Army. Wife has an annuity through her employer which accrued during the parties' marriage. The circuit court awarded Wife $150 a month as alimony in futuro, but ruled that the parties should keep their retirement accounts as separate property. Husband has appealed, and both parties present issues for review.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Karen R. Williams |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 08/28/00 | |
| Shirley Williams vs. Donald Thrailkill
W1999-01032-COA-R3-CV
This case involves visitation rights for an aunt of the minor child. In 1992, the aunt and her husband were granted visitation rights by the Shelby County Juvenile Court. In 1997, after the child's father had moved with the child to Tipton County, the aunt and her husband filed a petition in the Tipton County Juvenile Court to hold father in contempt for failing to abide by the visitation order, to change custody, and alternatively to enforce visitation. After an evidentiary hearing, the Tipton County Juvenile Court held that the prior Shelby County Juvenile Court order granting visitation to aunt was in full force and effect and incorporated the Shelby County order and its order by reference. Father has appealed.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:William A. Peeler |
Tipton County | Court of Appeals | 08/28/00 | |
| William Crawford vs. Gregory Dodson
W1998-00805-COA-R3-CV
This is a boundary line dispute. The defendants appeal a jury verdict finding that the boundary line was situated where the plaintiffs had maintained. The defendants assert that the trial court erred in denying their motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, and also appeal several other rulings by the trial court. We affirm the trial court, except to remand for modification of the trial court's award of discretionary costs to the plaintiff.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:C. Neal Small |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 08/28/00 | |
| Joseph Elcan vs. Linda Augustine
W1999-01621-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves a will contest concerning the last will and testament of Frank Elcan. Contestants are, among others, the brother and half sister of the testator. The proponents of the will are Linda Augustine and Jimmy Elcan. The complaint alleges that a paper writing dated December 1, 1995, previously admitted to probate in common form is not the lawful will of the testator because he lacked testamentary capacity and because he was unduly influenced by Linda Augustine. The proponent's answer denies the material allegations of the complaint.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Joseph H. Walker, III |
Tipton County | Court of Appeals | 08/28/00 | |
| Russell Graves vs. Kraft Foods
W1999-02010-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises from an appeal made from general sessions court to chancery court. The appellee, Kraft General Foods (Kraft), appealed a general sessions judgment to chancery court. Appellants, Mr. Graves and Ms. Cross, filed motions to dismiss, while Kraft filed a motion to transfer to circuit court. The chancery court denied the motions to dismiss and granted the motion to transfer. On review, we find that the chancery court lacked any subject matter jurisdiction over the appeal. In addition, we find no statutory authority providing for chancery court to transfer such appeals. As such, Kraft did not make a timely appeal of the general sessions judgment. The circuit court's denial of the motions to dismiss is reversed.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:L. Terry Lafferty |
Gibson County | Court of Appeals | 08/28/00 | |
| In re: Petition of John Weatherford
W1999-01014-COA-R3-CV
Darrin Sheffield appeals the trial court's judgment terminating his parental rights to his minor son, Tyler Lee Weatherford. We affirm the trial court's judgment based on our conclusion that the record contains clear and convincing evidence to support the court's findings that Mr. Sheffield abandoned Tyler and that termination of Mr. Sheffield's parental rights was in Tyler's best interest.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Ron E. Harmon |
Benton County | Court of Appeals | 08/28/00 | |
| Mickey Billinsley vs. Diane Billingsley
W1999-00338-COA-R3-CV
This case concerns a husband's efforts to terminate his obligation to pay his ex-wife $216.67 per month in alimony in futuro because of the post-divorce increase in his former wife's income. The trial court denied the husband's petition, finding that there had not been a change in circumstances sufficient to warrant the termination of the spousal support obligation. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:William Michael Maloan |
Obion County | Court of Appeals | 08/28/00 | |
| Shelia Rae Gibbs, et al. v. Robin Media Group, et al. v. Lineberry Properties, Inc.
M1999-00820-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises from a slip-and-fall accident which occurred on property owned by the Defendant Lineberry Properties and leased by the Defendant Robin Media Group. The latter appeals from the jury verdict entered in the Wilson County Circuit Court. The jury assigned one hundred percent of the fault for the Plaintiff's injuries to Robin Media. After the court denied its motions for remittitur or a new trial, the present appeal arose.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Judge Clara W. Byrd |
Wilson County | Court of Appeals | 08/25/00 | |
| Gary Wayne Robertson vs. Lori Vanhooser Robertson
E2000-01698-COA-RM-CV
The Supreme Court granted Mr. Robertson's application for permission to appeal and remanded this case to us "for reconsideration in light of Crabtree vs. Crabtree [16 S.W.3d 356 (Tenn. 2000)]." Upon reconsideration, we adhere to our original opinion.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:W. Neil Thomas, III |
Hamilton County | Court of Appeals | 08/25/00 | |
| Tennessee Pine vs. David/Patty Via
W1999-00558-COA-R3-CV
A timber company filed a declaratory judgment suit to determine its rights and to declare its contract with a landowner valid and enforceable. The trial court modified the contract and declared the contract as modified valid and enforceable. The landowner has appealed and presents the sole issue for review as whether the trial court erred in not holding the contract unenforceable because of laches.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Joe C. Morris |
Madison County | Court of Appeals | 08/25/00 | |
| Susan/Donald Smytka vs. Dayton-Hudson
W1999-01751-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises out of a complaint for personal injuries sustained when the Plaintiff was struck by a shopping cart in the parking lot of the Defendant's store. The Defendant filed a motion for summary judgment arguing that it did not violate the duty of care owed to the Plaintiff. The trial court granted the motion and entered judgment accordingly.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Robert A. Lanier |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 08/25/00 | |
| Baggett vs. Baggett
M1999-00742-COA-R3-CV
This is a divorce case involving child custody. After awarding the mother temporary custody of the parties' children during the pendency of the case, the trial court granted the father sole custody and granted the mother visitation. The mother appealed the custody award. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Allen W. Wallace |
Houston County | Court of Appeals | 08/25/00 | |
| Underground, Inc., d/b/a The Underground, vs. City of Knoxville
E2000-00609-COA-R3-CV
The Beer Board summarily suspended Petitioner's licence to sell beer and following a hearing, revoked the permit. On appeal to Chancery Court, the Chancellor upheld the revocation. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:Daryl R. Fansler |
Knox County | Court of Appeals | 08/25/00 | |
| Wilson vs. Tittle
M2000-00115-COA-R3-CV
This is a child custody case. The mother and father, who were never married, had a child in Tennessee. The mother subsequently married another man and filed petitions in a Tennessee court to establish paternity of the child and for adoption by the stepfather. During the pendency of the suit, the mother and stepfather moved with the child to Texas. The Tennessee court awarded custody of the child to the mother but denied the mother's petition for adoption. The court awarded the father visitation. Later, the father filed petitions in the Tennessee court for contempt and for change of custody, arguing that the mother had refused to allow him visitation. Mother subsequently filed a petition in a Texas court to modify the Tennessee court's prior order. The Tennessee court found that the mother's denial of the father's visitation rights was a substantial change of circumstances and that the best interests of the child favored an award of custody to the father. The mother appeals. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Arthur E. Mcclellan |
Sumner County | Court of Appeals | 08/25/00 | |
| Darlene Versa v. Policy Studies, Inc.
E2000-00030-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Lawrence H. Puckett |
McMinn County | Court of Appeals | 08/25/00 | |
| Colbaugh vs. Colbaugh
M1999-00755-COA-R3-CV
This is a post-divorce visitation case. The mother and father lived with their infant child in Columbia, Tennessee. After the couple separated, the mother took the parties' child to her hometown of Bowling Green, Kentucky, over one hundred miles from Columbia. Upon the parties' divorce, the trial court awarded custody of the child to the mother and visitation to the father for twelve days each month, no greater than fourteen days apart. The trial court ordered the mother and father to meet halfway between their two residences to exchange the child for the father's visitation. The mother appealed the trial court's visitation schedule, arguing that it adversely affects the child's sense of stability, that it places overly burdensome travel requirements on the mother and the child, and that it is unworkable in this case because of the mother and father's inability to cooperate. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Stella L. Hargrove |
Maury County | Court of Appeals | 08/25/00 | |
| John B. Tigrett v. Union Planters Bank
W1999-01771-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Robert L. Childers |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 08/24/00 | |
| Sarah Anita James vs. Susan Kay Swindell
E1999-02407-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises out of an automobile accident. The Defendant lost control of her vehicle, crossed three lanes of traffic, and hit Plaintiff's vehicle. Plaintiff suffered injuries and sued Defendant for damages. A jury trial ensued. The jury found Defendant to be 100% at fault and awarded $15,000 in damages to Plaintiff. The Plaintiff filed a motion for a new trial alleging juror misconduct and presented a juror's affidavit in support of her position. The Defendant untimely presented counter affidavits by jurors. The trial court judge granted a new trial based on juror misconduct. At the second trial the jury found the Defendant 100% at fault and awarded Plaintiff $27,608.60 in damages. On appeal, the Defendant claims that the trial court erred in failing to grant Defendant's motion for a directed verdict and in granting a new trial. We affirm the trial court's denial of a directed verdict for the Defendant and reverse the trial court's granting of a new trial based on juror misconduct. We remand the case to the trial court for the reinstatement of the jury verdict at the first trial.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:L. Marie Williams |
Hamilton County | Court of Appeals | 08/23/00 | |
| Gretchen Bish vs. Sofamor
W1998-00373-COA-R9-CV
These are consolidated interlocutory appeals of products liability suits against the manufacturers of spinal fixation devices. The trial court dismissed plaintiffs' negligence per se claims based on the alleged violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (FDCA) and the Medical Device Amendments (MDA). In one of the cases, the trial court also granted defendants' motion in limine to exclude all Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory evidence information and documents concerning the fixation devices. Plaintiffs appeal the rulings of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:John R. Mccarroll, Jr. |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 08/23/00 | |
| Johnson vs. Traughber
M1999-02472-COA-R3-CV
Appellant, Edward Johnson, is an inmate in the Tennessee Department of Corrections, and in this case, he has filed a Petition for Common Law Certiorari to review a denial of parole by the Board of Paroles. The Chancery Court of Davidson County sustained a motion to dismiss his petition, and we affirm the judgment of the Chancellor.
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Carol L. Mccoy |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 08/22/00 | |
| Goggin Truck Line Co. vs. Brake Pro
M1999-01277-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises from a breach of contract case initiated by Goggin Truck Line Company, Inc. ("Goggin") against Brake Pro, Inc. ("Brake Pro"). Goggin sought payment for unpaid freight shipping services provided to Brake Pro. In addition, as provided for under a company tariff, Goggin sought recovery of an additional amount because of the necessity to initiate legal action. The court below found in favor of Goggin. Brake Pro appeals.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Lee Russell |
Bedford County | Court of Appeals | 08/22/00 | |
| Israel vs. Williams
M1999-02400-COA-R3-CV
This appeal presents the issue of whether the trial court was correct to grant summary judgment against Plaintiffs regarding their suit for damages resulting from alleged negligent misrepresentation by Defendants. Plaintiffs claim that Defendants made negligent misrepresentations regarding the condition of their house prior to the sale of the house to Plaintiffs. Summary judgment was granted by the trial court. Upon review of this record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Russell Heldman |
Williamson County | Court of Appeals | 08/22/00 | |
| Christopher Woods vs. Ellis Woods
W1999-00733-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises from a dispute between Plaintiff Christopher Lamar Woods and Defendant Ellie Joan Woods regarding Mr. Woods' financial obligations under the parties' final decree of divorce. The trial court approved the ruling of the arbitrator, which was that Mr. Woods is responsible for the expense of Ms. Woods' "tummy tuck" and breast reduction surgery but is not responsible for the expense of Ms. Woods' Obagi cream treatments, collagen injections, lip implants, and other topical procedures. For the reasons set forth below, we affirm the ruling of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:D'Army Bailey |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 08/22/00 |