Cynthia Jane Bohn Censured for Improper Contact with Children in Custody Case
Summary
Attorney Cynthia Jane Bohn received a Public Censure from the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility on April 23, 2026. The Board found that Ms. Bohn met with two minor children without the guardian ad litem present, discussed pending custody litigation with them, informed them they could be placed in foster care, and physically held one child's arm during the meeting. The court later disqualified Ms. Bohn from representing the mother. She was censured for violating Rules 4.2, 4.4, and 8.4(d) of the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.
“By these acts, Cynthia Jane Bohn has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 4.2 (communication with a person represented by counsel), 4.4 (respect for rights of third persons), and 8.4(d) (prejudice to the administration of justice) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.”
Tennessee attorneys handling family law matters involving guardians ad litem should review their practices for communicating with minor children. Rule 4.2 applies broadly to persons represented by counsel—and guardians ad litem represent the interests of children in custody proceedings. Direct ex parte contact with children, even seemingly informal conversations, can constitute grounds for disqualification and professional discipline.
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What changed
The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility issued a Public Censure to attorney Cynthia Jane Bohn for violations of Rules 4.2, 4.4, and 8.4(d) of the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct. The specific conduct involved Ms. Bohn meeting with two minor children in a custody dispute without the court-appointed guardian ad litem being present, discussing the pending litigation with the children, informing them hypothetically about foster care placement, and physically grabbing one child's arm. The court subsequently disqualified her from representing the mother in the underlying custody matter.
Attorneys practicing in Tennessee should note that direct communication with minors who are subject to a guardianship arrangement—without the guardian ad litem's knowledge or presence—constitutes a violation of Rule 4.2 (communication with represented persons) and Rule 4.4 (respect for third-party rights). A Public Censure serves as a formal rebuke and warning from the Board but does not restrict the attorney's license to practice law.
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Apr 24, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2026)
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Download Official Record (bohn-101377-5-rel.pdf)
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BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
10 CADILLAC DRIVE, SUITE 220
BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE 37027
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800) 486-5714
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: CYNTHIA JANE BOHN, BPR #016592
CONTACT: EILEEN BURKHALTER SMITH
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 23, 2026
DAVIDSON_COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On April 23, 2026, Cynthia Jane Bohn, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a Public
Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Ms. Bohn represented the mother in a custody dispute in which a guardian ad litem had been appointed
for the children. Ms. Bohn met with the two minor children without the guardian ad litem present. Ms. Bohn
discussed with the children the pending litigation, she informed them they could hypothetically be put into foster
care under some circumstances, and she grabbed the arm of one child and held it during the meeting. Ms. Bohn
was later disqualified from representing the mother by the court.
By these acts, Cynthia Jane Bohn has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 4.2 (communication with a
person represented by counsel), 4.4 (respect for rights of third persons), and 8.4(d) (prejudice to the administration
of justice) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Bohn 101377-5 rel.doc
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