Tennessee § 36-6-234 - Order for immediate physical custody — Fees, costs and expenses — Party refusal to testify — Husband and wife communications as evidence.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-6-234 — Order for immediate physical custody — Fees, costs and expenses — Party refusal to testify — Husband and wife communications as evidence., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 36-6-234. Order for immediate physical custody — Fees, costs and expenses — Party refusal to testify — Husband and wife communications as evidence.
Unless the court issues a temporary emergency order pursuant to § 36-6-219, upon a finding that a petitioner is entitled to immediate physical custody of the child, the court shall order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child unless the respondent establishes that: The child-custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under § 36-6-229 and that: The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under this part; The child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under this part; or The respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of § 36-6-211, in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or The child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered and confirmed under § 36-6-229 but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under this part. The court shall award the fees, costs, and expenses authorized under § 36-6-236 and may grant additional relief, including a request for the assistance of law enforcement officials, and set a further hearing to determine whether additional relief is appropriate. If a party called to testify refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the court may draw an adverse inference from the refusal. A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses and a defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child may not be invoked in a proceeding under this part. Acts 1999, ch. 389, § 35.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 36-6-234
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-6-234 cover?
Section 36-6-234 ("Order for immediate physical custody — Fees, costs and expenses — Party refusal to testify — Husband and wife communications as evidence.") 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 § 36-6-234?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-6-234" (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 § 36-6-234 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.