News Summary
A series of legal notices have been published in The Knoxville Focus, addressing important non-resident notices, estate claims, and custody cases in Knox County. Noteworthy cases include a non-resident notice involving Ruth Suzanne Worley Smith and the estate of Oscar M. Coward. Creditors are urged to take heed of the filing requirements for multiple estates, ensuring transparency and adherence to legal guidelines. Advocacy continues for reforms in custody practices as legal complexities rise for families dealing with custody disputes and estate claims.
Knoxville, Tennessee – A series of legal notices have been published in The Knoxville Focus, detailing important non-resident notices, estate claims, and custody cases that will impact various individuals and families in Knox County over the coming weeks.
A critical non-resident notice has been issued to Ruth Suzanne Worley Smith, requiring her to respond to the case of Cass Michael Smith vs. Ruth Suzanne Worley Smith in the Chancery Court for Knox County within 30 days. The publication of this notice began on May 20, 2025, and it will appear for a total of four consecutive weeks.
In another significant matter, a non-resident notice has also been filed concerning the Estate of Oscar M. Coward, addressing unknown heirs and the Mortgage Investor’s Group. This notice, part of an ongoing legal action initiated by the Avery Woods Homeowner’s Association, demands a similar response within the same timeframe as the previous case.
The notices are not limited to non-residents; they also include crucial information for creditors regarding various estates in Knox County. For instance, the Estate of Nancy Hudson Anfinson, who passed away on March 26, 2025, has stipulated that claims must be filed within either four months from the date of publication or twelve months from the date of her death. The same protocol applies to the Estate of David Melvin Bennett, who died on April 7, 2025.
Other estates listed in the current notices include Barbara Naomi Bowlin, Terry Wayne Broyles, Jr., Sherri Lynn Cline, Kermit C. Davis, and Carlene N. Elrod, among others. Each estate outlines similar filing requirements for claims, which underscores the importance of adhering to the guidelines provided.
Each estate’s respective docket numbers, along with the names of personal representatives and attorneys involved, have been meticulously noted in the legal notices. Creditors are urged to be aware of the time constraints for filing claims, as failure to comply could result in the loss of their right to collect debts owed from the estate of the deceased.
These legal notices are mandated to ensure transparency in estate management and court proceedings within the Knox County area. By making these details public, all stakeholders are informed of their rights and responsibilities regarding estate claims and custody hearings.
The ongoing legal cases reflect the significant challenges surrounding custody issues and estates that Tennessee courts are currently handling. Families must navigate these complex matters, where decisions can profoundly impact their rights as family members and potential claimants.
Additionally, there is an increasing public discourse surrounding the practices of the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) in informal custody situations. Advocacy groups are calling for crucial reforms to ensure equitable treatment in custody decisions. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for collusion between DCS and local court systems, prompting calls for investigation and increased scrutiny in the handling of custody cases.
This legal environment illustrates how various custody disputes and estate issues intertwine, affecting multiple parties involved. By keeping the public abreast of these developments through legal notices, courts aim to uphold judicial accountability and promote an informed community in Knoxville and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- Knox Focus: Legal and Public Notices
- Wikipedia: Law
- Dignity Memorial: Dorothy Davison Obituary
- Google Search: Custody Laws Tennessee
- Knox News: School Board Member Sues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Estate Law
- TN Tribune: Allegations of Collusion
- Google News: Knox County Schools
