Tennessee § 34-8-203 - Jurisdiction.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 34-8-203 — Jurisdiction., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-8-203. Jurisdiction.
A court of this state has jurisdiction to appoint a conservator or guardian or issue a protective order for a respondent if: This state is the respondent's home state; On the date the petition is filed, this state is a significant-connection state and: The respondent does not have a home state or a court of the respondent's home state has declined to exercise jurisdiction because this state is a more appropriate forum; or The respondent has a home state, a petition for an appointment or order is not pending in a court of that state or another significant-connection state, and, before the court makes the appointment or issues the order: A petition for an appointment or order is not filed in the respondent's home state; An objection to the court's jurisdiction is not filed by a person required to be notified of the proceeding; and The court in this state concludes that it is an appropriate forum under the factors set forth in § 34-8-206; This state does not have jurisdiction under either subdivision (1) or (2), the respondent's home state and all significant-connection states have declined to exercise jurisdiction because this state is the more appropriate forum, and jurisdiction in this state is consistent with the constitutions of this state and the United States; or The requirements for special jurisdiction under § 34-8-204 are met. Acts 2010, ch. 817, § 1.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 34-8-203
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 34-8-203 cover?
Section 34-8-203 ("Jurisdiction.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 34-8-203?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 34-8-203" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 34-8-203 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.