[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6360382,"mediaKeyId","2174920-501e1d1a610327588122ba91d22b178d","parentId",2174920,"title","Judge grants Janine Hill divorce, keeps home with husband; splits household items","audioSeconds",330,"startMs",10200000,"endMs",10530000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2174920-501e1d1a610327588122ba91d22b178d&start=10200&end=10530","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2174920-501e1d1a610327588122ba91d22b178d/thumbnail_10200000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6360382/Tennessee/Judge-grants-Janine-Hill-divorce-keeps-home-with-husband-splits-household-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6360382-b7342355a0b8e0cda6b9f414fa89602f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178232&Signature=o8gT~JCuwEbyv9JCDiFvE-b0NNczHDSjhd7lI5ckDvvT3ekRY-FEuelhnJTWyq6lGuI6QDBo6xdVG4SFQ7E~tasahu1khgpxAMctHVQcSMV5hYaQMHmPyWvVfrIdiC5YncTAje-Rum9IA1jD2GlzxC9agQEmNNy15kWYsEIou~i5uuBSxX491l6QHG2lFQxofDodz6zRIbOf4xBvdtbkjLzGKTW6sh5V9ehxaXr6UhgFAQSYYE18DjJIGkyK1s3Ded7AYhPI3eEWFKHUdOVR62hEbheYJWLXscPTVUp0YQ1AL9pIjs8mnaOLkMz09op0r2Yk2EFueg5lJQUQTs5pow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Judge David D. Wolfe","date","2025-01-31T09:29:48.14Z","article","Janine Therese Hill was granted an absolute divorce from Michael Bridal Hill on Thursday by Judge David D. Wolfe in Hickman County Chancery Court, following testimony over property, household damage and allegations of inappropriate marital conduct.

The ruling resolves an 11-year marriage that both sides described as separated for years before the filing. Judge Wolfe said he would “approve the divorce and grant the relief that’s been testified to,” finding grounds supported in the record and concluding the divorce request should be granted.

Why it matters: The court’s property ruling affects who keeps the family home and a set of household and personal items, and it determined that the appreciation of the residence was not proved to result from the spouse’s contributions in a compensable way. The decision closes a contested case with major financial and practical consequences for both parties.

Most of the hearing centered on ownership and value of the residence at 104 Skyline Drive, improvements, and payments during a multi-year separation. Hill testified he owned the house before the marriage and continued making mortgage payments after the couple separated; Janine Hill testified she paid utilities and performed household work while adult children and grandchildren sometimes lived at the property.

Judge Wolfe found the evidentiary record did not establish a dollar-value contribution by Janine Hill that would entitle her to a share of the home’s increased value. He adopted the view that the house was separately owned by Michael Hill before the marriage and that the record lacked a reliable appraisal trail and clear proof that any value increase was caused by her direct contributions.

The court divided tangible things on hand: the judge awarded Michael Hill possession of the riding lawn mower and firearms that were in his possession and accepted the parties’ competing estimates of personal property values when making the split. The court set conservative, case-level valuations for household items (e.g., used dryer $50, surround-sound ~$800, above-ground pool ~$500) and treated the parties’ estimates for jewelry and other items as the best available evidence in the absence of independent appraisals.

Judge Wolfe also ordered that any retirement account funds that accrued during the marriage be divided by a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) for the marriage-period portion; preparation of that QDRO and administrative costs were left to the parties’ agreement or subsequent order.

Excerpts and final steps: The judge said on the record, “I will approve the divorce and grant the relief that’s been testified to,” and explained he could not find sufficient proof to divide the real property. He directed the parties to turn over titles and to cooperate on ministerial steps the court required (for example, title transfer for certain vehicles and the QDRO process).

What remains: The parties were told to exchange outstanding documents (titles, insurance records) and to follow the court’s direction on personal-property turnover. Both sides are to pay their own attorney fees and split court costs 50/50 unless they reach a separate agreement. The judge noted that absent clear valuation evidence (appraisals or receipts), he could not make a different property division.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","1-30-25 Dickson Chancery","oneSentenceSummary","Janine Therese Hill was granted an absolute divorce from Michael Bridal Hill on Thursday by Judge David D. Wolfe, who also ruled the marital residence at 104 Skyline Drive remained the husband’s separate property and divided household items between the parties.","taxTitle","Judge David D. Wolfe State of Tennessee, Judicial, Tennessee","taxId",66321,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6360368,"Judge grants default divorce to Jeri Lynn Smith, awards residence and QDRO share of retirement",210,6960000,7170000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2174920-501e1d1a610327588122ba91d22b178d&start=6960&end=7170","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2174920-501e1d1a610327588122ba91d22b178d/thumbnail_6960000.jpg","/articles/6360368/Tennessee/Judge-grants-default-divorce-to-Jeri-Lynn-Smith-awards-residence-and-QDRO-share-of-retirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6360368-b2402104949adf707c8f84da83269e0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178232&Signature=li6aK8zTiZoVqaBGNfBZXQNaa-~E7ui2op4WTcO8UeLVXsd115QJR8YqqE-gCdpkGB3vGrQeiOxd0EDDRPJIMTi42LflQhpqpxwqsT1TgJDgU8Is5RdZAYQ0pvzdOZuGFwBA2m4L-IO3Kdk3NfE1qtrZi3nBZprBm0IiQRIePje5LfI~74AbOENOJqsRwgRZ9BDbOxw~tCI6DIMqymB-wxBiXp4P4sSPrxY9TohB2AVfs1KrQ9K7Vve18oCXUf74G1bkm8lYXtPoVskBetB2Tq2TRmhqee7qDaVIOmEaW8BfXivZq9YIzN2v~RUKJVgWv7f1svk3mij5RtQjt2KZhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hickman County Chancery Court entered a default divorce for petitioner Jeri Lynn Smith and approved a stipulated division of assets the parties presented to the court, the judge said on the record.

Why it matters: Default judgments close uncontested matters and implement agreed property divisions; here the order divests the respondent of rights in a known dwelling and establishes the QDRO route for retirement funds accumulated during the marriage.

On the record, petitioner Jeri Lynn Smith testified she and the respondent were married in September 1993 and had separated in July 2022. Counsel told the court the respondent had been served but had not filed a responsive pleading, and the petitioner offered testimony describing the proposed division.

Judge Wolfe accepted the petitioner’s sworn account and signed an order granting the absolute divorce. The court adopted the proposed property split: Ms. Smith will retain the home at 954 Eli Road in Bon Aqua, Tenn., keep the 2021 Chevy Equinox and household furnishings located there, and the respondent will keep property he owns out of state. The parties also asked the court to split the respondent’s PPG retirement account by QDRO for the marriage-period portion; the judge approved that approach and directed counsel to prepare a QDRO for implementation.

The petitioner asked for attorney fees and asked that the respondent pay her filing costs; the judge accepted the evidentiary showing and said he would sign an order reflecting the requested relief.

Practical effect: The decree severs the marriage, transfers possession of the listed personal property to the petitioner, and requires the QDRO process to split the retirement account accrued during the marriage. The clerk will issue the signed order and counsel will handle the QDRO mechanics.","A default judgment was entered for Jeri Lynn Smith after the respondent failed to answer; the court awarded her the marital home at 954 Eli Road, the Chevy Equinox and a portion of a retirement account subject to a QDRO; the respondent did not contest and the judge signed the order.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6360373,"Court approves auction sale of conservatorship land at Shelter Branch Road; clerk to process eviction for squatter",870,9480000,10350000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2174920-501e1d1a610327588122ba91d22b178d&start=9480&end=10350","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2174920-501e1d1a610327588122ba91d22b178d/thumbnail_9480000.jpg","/articles/6360373/Tennessee/Court-approves-auction-sale-of-conservatorship-land-at-Shelter-Branch-Road-clerk-to-process-eviction-for-squatter","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6360373-a08c80cf48052d2a02c2020bf33205ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178232&Signature=ZfuwHjifZv4k5QIQrsHa-RBPT3oWFQ6RT0rC8PZpC-zAt9qnVzAfZEsjfgEuofagUzYdtXUMxt1E2yEPGNRqZlCVHwe6sf5mXdNOtBLCd8S6CTqSjlK~RsDr2uR6D2l8SlSyVSXsMk0-R80biQVJp15yweIBUaIcP7k5lP5ukaiV0opJ3TlMHDo2jO0ZHfgBtUUcKGm68YLgwQmhCr4GdfnjJPoTDmqRsZ6jIAEq0BLM6Hh5BJsBB6jqcPt9ITXpJZAlkkEHYXL4bCNAo-mm~KjA1Bt3itE-hqgYJrDFV~A2wnqxD5ZcSq9VTOah~eMKVc6p3DmNbaP-KpwDR3ihiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Judge David D. Wolfe approved the sale of real property held in a conservatorship after hearing testimony from the auctioneer and conservatorship counsel. The sale was conducted to liquidate estate assets for the benefit of the conservatee’s estate.

Why it matters: The court’s approval clears title transfer steps and allows estate funds to be distributed according to the conservatorship plan; the court also flagged an outstanding occupancy issue the conservator must remove through general sessions eviction proceedings.

Background and auction details: Counsel said the conservatorship was established to sell real property identified as Mr. McCormick’s property on Shelter Branch Road. Auctioneer Jeffrey (Neil) Trice testified that an auction was postponed due to weather and held on January 18, 2025. He said turnout was “probably had 45 to 50 people,” and reported the apparent winning bidder as Philip and Marietta Yoder with a bid the auctioneer stated on the record.

Judge Wolfe reviewed the auction details and accepted the conservator’s recommendation to approve the sale. The court noted the sale appeared to be well-attended and the auction result exceeded tax appraisal figures in the auctioneer’s estimation.

Squatter / detainer issue: Counsel and the auctioneer both told the court there was a squatter on the property; Judge Wolfe directed the conservator or counsel to initiate a detainer/eviction action in general sessions court to clear possession of the property before transfer. The judge said a detainer action was not part of the current conservatorship order but needed to be resolved administratively.

Next steps: The judge signed the order approving the sale and advised the conservator to pursue eviction in general sessions; the clerk will process the signed order and the conservatorship will proceed to finalize the estate distribution steps.","Hickman County Chancery Court approved the sale of real estate from a conservatorship after an on-the-record auction; the auctioneer reported 45–50 bidders and the winning bid; the judge approved the sale and noted a separate detainer/eviction action would be required for a squatter on the property.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6360377,"Judge approves adoption of 15-year-old Cheyenne by Gibbons family",262,760000,1022000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2174920-501e1d1a610327588122ba91d22b178d&start=760&end=1022","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2174920-501e1d1a610327588122ba91d22b178d/thumbnail_760000.jpg","/articles/6360377/Tennessee/Judge-approves-adoption-of-15-year-old-Cheyenne-by-Gibbons-family","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6360377-7e6a15831d500bed0125e0ee59fc4249/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178232&Signature=OMudS2HATIBtDqiPctd0JYeh5~TAaNvPDGXcsdf1Qr2zmoOo0D2mLKIVcKWk5pnPubDlT5s1R0CVmyvyQal~O2OZBwN-qTITrceWFSIiNrXlKkyquyQigPtiHVl7JEJ6RP4FTX2R3zZk1ufaDLGF5vokJo-6iBooPILnPU~UKbfVoK0-zH5NSzgpRlg4OPj1GKhd6-NCBhSsSYA-lH9HuXHTAqLpUCtuoOkec451vnFGk0JDeFysxvR8ZRiJvGKP4ljun6HYvfmXjJbpOFUf6o922oJR5Qj1Ya6CPB8rWqUC~B~yZzP5L~E66~sIjJ3Si2yTVJr5EkisvFJVqY3v8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The court approved the final decree of adoption for Cheyenne by Carla and Jeffrey Gibbons during the docket session, with Judge David D. Wolfe signing the decree and offering the child the option to change her surname.

Why it matters: The adoption converts the child's legal status from foster to permanent family membership. The transcript records sworn testimony, explicit consent by the child, and the judge’s formal approval on the record.

Carla and Jeffrey Gibbons testified under oath and confirmed the duration of their relationship with Cheyenne. Carla said she had known Cheyenne a little over a year and that Cheyenne has lived with the Gibbons family since July 2024. The judge addressed Cheyenne directly about her age and her right to consent; the record shows the child said she understood and confirmed she wanted to be adopted.

Judge Wolfe reviewed the file on the record, told the family he was “very happy that everything is in order,” and signed the final decree. The judge also offered the child an opportunity to change her legal surname during the proceedings, noting the court could enter an ORDER effecting any name change the child chose.

Practical effect: The decree grants the Gibbons family the rights and responsibilities of parentage toward Cheyenne equivalent to birth parentage, and it ends the child's foster status. The court directed the clerk to transmit the signed decree to the clerk’s office for recording.","Hickman County Chancery Court granted the final decree of adoption for 15-year-old Cheyenne by Carla and Jeffrey Gibbons after on-the-record consent and the child's acknowledgment; judge signed the final decree and offered a name-change option on the record.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Judge grants Janine Hill divorce, keeps home with husband; splits household items

Judge grants default divorce to Jeri Lynn Smith, awards residence and QDRO share of retirement

Court approves auction sale of conservatorship land at Shelter Branch Road; clerk to process eviction for squatter

Judge approves adoption of 15-year-old Cheyenne by Gibbons family