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Memphis Dependency and Neglect Lawyer
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Last Updated: Jul 30, 2026
Read Time: 3 mins
Dependency and neglect is a legal proceeding intended to protect children from harmful parents, custodians, or situations and to provide non-parents an avenue to obtain custody when it is in the best interest of the child. The main purpose of dependency and neglect proceedings is to provide for the care and protection of children whose parents are unfit or unwilling to care for them.
Juvenile courts have exclusive, original jurisdiction over dependency and neglect cases, meaning no other type of court (i.e. Chancery, Circuit, Criminal, etc.) may hear a dependency and neglect case. Dependency and neglect cases are typically tried in two phases: 1) the adjudication phase, and 2) the disposition phase. In the adjudication phase, the petitioner (the one making the allegations) must prove that the child is dependent and neglected within the meaning of the law. Tenn. Code Ann. Section 1-102(b)(12) provides the definition of dependency and neglect for the purposes of the law, and provides ten scenarios in which a child may be dependent and neglected.
A child may be found to be dependent and neglected, among other situations, when:
- the child is without a parent, guardian or legal custodian;
- the child’s parent, guardian or person with whom the child lives, by reason of cruelty, mental incapacity, immorality or depravity is unfit to properly care for such child;
- the child is under unlawful or improper care, supervision, custody or restraint by any person, corporation, agency, association, institution, society or other organization or who is unlawfully kept out of school;
- the child’s parent, guardian or custodian neglects or refuses to provide necessary medical, surgical, institutional or hospital care for such child;
- the child, because of lack of proper supervision, is found in any place the existence of which is in violation of law;
- the child is in such condition of want or suffering or is under such improper guardianship or control as to injure or endanger the morals or health of such child or others; or
- the child is suffering from abuse or neglect.
If the Court finds that one of the grounds for dependency and neglect have been proven by clear and convincing evidence (this is a higher standard than typical civil cases), only then will it move on to the dispositional phase. The dispositional phase is where the Court will provide a custodial arrangement that is in the best interest of the child. There are certain factors that the court will consider when determining what is in the best interest of the child. For a discussion on child custody, contact the Memphis, TN Dependency and Neglect Attorney from Patterson Bray today.
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We loved the staff at Patterson Bray. Everyone was very professional. Judith was very thorough and explained everything extremely well. We would recommend Patterson Bray to anyone.Posted on Google
Hailey Wade25 days agoPatterson Bray PLLC did an excellent job with my grandmother's estate planning, and made everything easy to understand! She recommended them to a friend who went and is also very satisfied with their services.Posted on Google
Deb Clark30 days agoMy experience with this firm, particularly Judith Denham has been truly exceptional. From the consultation to the finish, the attention to detail, listening and responding to my needs. My documents were completed timely and professionally. I highly recommend Patterson Bray.Posted on Google
Tanya White30 days agoPattersonBray Estate Planning was an incredible firm to work with setting up our Trust. Judith Denham was thorough, very smart, and personable as she patiently explained each part. Gabby put together a very professional beautiful binder for us to have, and has answered questions we have had since then. I am so glad they were recommended to us, and we had them to walk us through this procedure.Posted on Google
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Marva Johnson73 days agoI FOUND PATTERSON BRAY AND JUDITH DENHAM TO BE PROFESSIONAL, VERY THOROUGH, AND PERSONAL. I DID NOT FEEL LIKE A CLIENT, BUT A PERSON. I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THEM, ESPECIALLY JUDITH AND GABBY. VERY GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE. M.JOHNSONPosted on Google
Pam Nicole74 days agoWe set up a trust with Judith, at Patterson Bray and we received excellent service. Everything was explained thoroughly and everyone was very friendly and professional. I would definitely use her and the firm again, if needed.Posted on Google
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