Hamilton County Juvenile Court (Child Support)

Hamilton County Youth Court is in Session again with the Honorable Stephan Wright Presiding and attorneys Louis Bernsen and Ian Quillian mentoring the Advocates.

Youth Court 2025-2026 is in Session, with the Honorable John Bode presiding and attorneys Emily Brenyas and Randy Wilson mentoring the Advocates.

Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Rob Philyaw announces the appointment of Keith Harding Grant as Administrator of the Juvenile Court

Mr. Grant is a graduate of East Tennessee State University and holds a juris doctorate from Louisiana State University. He is admitted to practice in all Tennessee state courts, United States District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts in Tennessee, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. He has practiced law for twenty-four years and is a partner (member) of the law firm of Robinson, Smith & Wells, PLLC.

Keith has been very active in the Hamilton County community. He has served as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Children’s Nutrition Program of Haiti, as a member of the advisory board of The Brave Effect, as an Elder of his church, and as an adjunct professor at Chattanooga State. He is a regular volunteer for other organizations in the area, including CHATT Foundation and Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Chattanooga Area. He is a member of the Chattanooga Downtown Rotary and currently serves as President-Elect of the Board of Governors for the Chattanooga Bar Association.

Judge Philyaw said, “It’s great to welcome someone with Keith’s reputation, talents, and experience to the Juvenile Court management team. His legal acumen, interpersonal skills, and desire to make the world a better place make him uniquely qualified. He will complement the great work already happening at the court and help envision and shape its future.”

“We are delighted to welcome Keith Grant to our team. Keith brings a wealth of experience coupled with a fresh and innovative perspective. He will be a great addition to the outstanding group of professionals who work hard every day for children, youth, and families,” said Court Director Denise Cook.
Juvenile Court Clerk Gary Behler added “Since I was elected in 2010, a priority of my office has been to strengthen the teamwork between the Clerk’s Office and the Court staff. Our collective work is critical in serving the families that enter our doors. I look forward to partnering with Keith Grant to continue optimizing our teamwork.”

Mr. Grant said, “I am extremely excited to join the Juvenile Court team. I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that await. I have always thought that Judge Philyaw doesn’t have a job as Juvenile Court Judge; he has a calling. I look forward to joining him in that calling, working with the outstanding men and women who already serve Hamilton County’s citizens so well.”
Keith and his wife Karen Rennich have two sons: Isaac, who will be entering the Chancellor’s Honors Program at The University of Tennessee in the fall, and Wyatt, who is a rising sophomore at Signal Mountain High School.

Established in 1945, Hamilton County Juvenile Court has exclusive jurisdiction for dependency, neglect, and delinquency cases and concurrent jurisdiction for other litigation involving minors. As described by Tennessee Code Annotated Section 37-1-101, the purpose of juvenile court is: “To provide for the care, protection, and wholesome moral, mental and physical development of the children coming within its provisions.” Using evidence-based programs and services, the Court’s people are making a difference one child at a time.

PHONE SCAM ALTERT:

The Hamilton County Juvenile Court is alerting residents about a phone scam where the caller is impersonating law enforcement officers, claiming the resident missed a court date and will be arrested. The victim's caller ID will show a legitimate number. The caller may also use the names of a real law enforcement officer, court employee, or judicial officer. These are not legitimate calls.

Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Rob Philyaw announces the retirement of Court Administrator Sam Mairs. Mairs, who decided to retire a month ago, has been working on the transition.

Mr. Mairs began his career at Hamilton County Juvenile Court as a Probation Officer in November 1992 and worked in increasingly responsible positions for over thirty years. Judge Suzanne Bailey appointed him Administrator of the Court in March 2011.

Judge Philyaw said, “Sam has been a steadfast rock in the operation of the Court and a trusted advisor to me over the last thirteen years. During that time, he was instrumental in several initiatives that directly affect children and families, including Youth Court, Recovery Court, family law mediation, and Safe Baby Court. Sam Mairs is not just a great manager, he’s a great person with a generous heart. Under his leadership, we have improved facilities, invested in staff, and implemented system changes to meet the needs of Hamilton County’s citizens. We’ll be very sad to see him go, but he has laid the foundation for the important work that will continue at Hamilton County Juvenile Court.”

At a recent Hamilton County Commission meeting, several Commissioners thanked Mr. Mairs for his years of service to the County and wished him the best. Staff will celebrate Sam’s legacy at a Courthouse reception on Thursday, June 5, at 3:00 p.m.

Officials: Parents need to know safe sleep rules for infants | Chattanooga Times Free Press Infant mortality is on the rise in Hamilton County, Erlanger Health and Hamilton County Health Department officials say, and they are advocating for families to use safe sleep practices.

Today, we celebrate and congratulate Deputy Court Clerk Annie Potts on her retirement following 34 years of service. Congratulations Annie!