Child custody is the foundational issue in most family law cases. The amount of time each parent spends with the child or children can impact the amount paid in child support, where the child goes to school, and even a parent’s ability to relocate in the future. While the law aims to maximize each parents time with the child, there are many factors that the courts consider when deciding child custody. You need the child custody attorney Knoxville trusts to fight for them.
Child custody is an area where a lawyer’s expertise can have a lasting influence on your life. Whether you are negotiating an agreed custody plan, or presenting your case to a judge, we will ensure that your time with your child is protected. Let us help you navigate these complex issues. Call us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can help you move forward.
Parenting Plan Modifications
Situations can change. Sometimes what was once a workable child custody agreement, is no longer feasible. The change of a job, living situations, distance can all be factors that warrant a parenting plan modification. Changing a parenting plan, or court ordered custody agreement, requires proving a “material change in circumstances.” While proving a material change in circumstances seems simple, it rarely is. You may be wondering if your change in circumstances can justify changing your parenting plan. We have handled hundreds of child custody cases. Call today to schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can help you modify your parenting plan.
Father’s Rights
Many fathers feel that the legal system has an unfair bias towards the mother. I believe that fathers play an important role in their children’s lives. There are numerous studies that show the benefits to children of having an involved father. Though Tennessee has come a long way in recent years, Fathers still need aggressive representation to ensure their rights are protected. Give us a call to find out how we can fight to preserve your rights.
Paternity
Did you know that unmarried fathers have very few legal rights to their children until they establish paternity? Without a court order, a child born out of wedlock is in the sole custody of the mother. We have handled hundreds of family law cases. Being proactive and addressing paternity head on is the best strategy. Whether you’re a mother who needs to establish the father’s obligation to support the child, or a father who needs to establish visitation, we can help you.
Grandparents Rights
Sometimes conflict arises in families that results in grandparents being prevented from having a relationship with their grandchildren. Unfortunately, parents sometimes will try to destroy a grandparent’s relationship with the grandchildren for their own personal reasons. In Tennessee, grandparents can assert their rights through the courts to restore their relationship with the child.
Child Support
When two parents no longer reside together child support begins accruing. What many parents do not realize is that unless they are supporting their child pursuant to child support order, any money or support they give to the other parent will likely be considered a gift. While it makes sense that parents should financially support their children, how the courts determine the correct child support amount can be confusing. We have handled hundreds of cases involving child support and we know how to make sure that the child support order will be fair and legally sound. Things such as the child’s health insurance, extracurricular expenses, child care and even out of pocket medical expenses all need to be put into the calculation. Parents can run into legal trouble if they fall behind on their child support obligation. The State of Tennessee will go as far as to suspend their drivers license and jail a non-compliant parent. Child support is a serious issue and one that you should not try to handle on your own.
Child support Modification
Generally speaking, child support is modifiable upon a showing the child support amount would increase or decrease by at least 15%. In legal terms this is referred to as a “Significant Variance”. It is not unusual for one or both parents’ income to change over time. This may require a recalculation of child support.
Or, the change may be related to the children. As children get older, they may begin playing expensive extra-curricular sports, they may need costly medical care, or after school care or day care may be required. All these things can justify a modification in child support. Let us help you navigate these complex issues. We have handled hundreds of cases involving child support and will ensure your rights are protected.