ThoughtFox
Expecting the Unexpected
I did some research reading articles on the case so I am a bit more updated. Three recorded arguments with police involvement? Hubby is accusing her of mental illness? This does not sound good to me.
I would think that the proper response would be to speak with LE extensively about her "issues". But if no one but the husband is stating this, there is a problem.
I find it unusual that he filed for separation and custody right now. If he could show evidence that she actually was planning to flee with the kids, then maybe it would make sense but she just disappeared.
It is not usual to hire criminal defense attorney for a divorce unless the attorney is a friend. That does happen occasionally. But added to the other issues with this case, something doesn't smell right.
Yes, he can file a TRO and he does not need her to be present to get it. However, if he can't find her to serve her, he would have to serve her via "publication" after a while, getting permission by the court to do so and then putting the summons and petition up at the court house and in a newspaper. He can then proceed and get a default judgment.
I smell a rat but if he really had nothing to do with this and thinks she ran off, this (filing for custody) would be a good way to fish her out.
Gitana: Thank you so much!
I'm a local who lives in the same county. I've known lots of divorced people but I've never heard of this firm being divorce lawyers.
Davis and Hoss run a blog called Tennessee Criminal Law Review:
Tennessee Criminal Law Review reports on legal issues of relevance to lawyers, judges, law enforcement, and law students. Tennessee Criminal Law Review is published by Davis & Hoss.
For the year 2011 so far, there isn't one story on their blog about family law, although there are several others covering everything from gun control to sex offenders to Constitutional Law such as warrant requirements for a search.
On This Website they say they have handled "hundreds" of domestic assault cases, and also DUI, Motor Vehicle Crimes, and Expungement.
Chattanoogan Article about Hoss joining Davis firm:
Attorney Bryan Hoss Becomes Partner With Lee Davis ~ posted March 30, 2005
Bryan Hoss lives on Signal Mountain according to this article from 2008 about his wife, Courtney Hoss, who was (or maybe still is) counsel for the University of TN at Chattanooga. Mrs. Hoss isn't a divorce lawyer either, but has had a career with Baker/Donelson in labor relations, and now with UTC.
UTC Lawyer's Reach Covers Campus
His biography on the Davis/Hoss website confirms that: Here
So maybe they are just friends of MPs from Signal.