Family Law
Family law is a legal practice that focuses on issues involving family relationships such as adoption, divorce, and child custody, among others. Attorneys practicing family law can represent clients in family court proceedings or in related negotiations and can also draft petitions or property agreements.
Since family law matters hit so close to home, having a trusted legal professional by your side can help you ensure your loved ones are properly represented and protected during any legal process.
Experienced In All Types of Family Law
Family Law practice areas
Divorce & separation
Sometimes issues in marriage cannot be resolved. While unfortunate, divorce is a necessary step. It is an emotional experience and misinformation about the process can severely impact the outcome.
Child custody
Custody battles are heart-wrenching experiences that no one enjoys. We can help you through the process. The best interests of the child are always paramount during custody disputes, regardless of whether the parents are unmarried or going through a divorce.
Child Support
In Tennessee, child support is determined by a very specific set of guidelines that hold both parents accountable for the financial care of the child. If calculated properly, the results can be financially devastating.
Parentage
In the absence of a declaration of parentage by the court, any custody dispute between unwed or same sex parents will favor the biological mother. In order to have enforceable parental rights the other parent must seek parentage to be held equally responsible for the care, custody, education, and support of the child.
Spousal Support
Spousal support, which can also be called alimony, is money that's paid from one ex-spouse to the other. Alimony isn't always guaranteed. Instead, it's based on the circumstances of each divorcing couple's case.
Juvenile Offenses
Juvenile crimes need to be taken seriously, and that begins with a strong defense to ensure the young person in question gets the justice they deserve. Juvenile convictions can have a severe impact on a young person's future.
Grandparent rights
Under certain circumstances, Grandparents and other immediate family may be able to seek custody or visitation when it is in the child's best interests.
Name Changes
Whether you simply don't like your birth name or want to revise it after marriage, divorce, adoption, or gender change, there are specific requirements that must be met in Tennessee.
Adoption
International Adoptions
Subject to the laws of the United States and the county that the child lives in.
Married Couple Adoptions
The most common type of adoption, but still a rigorous legal process.
Stepparent Adoptions
Tennesee state law has streamlined the adoption process for stepparents.
Termination of Parental Rights
Usually applicable when a parent violates the law or denies paternity.
