Preserving Your Parent-Child Relationship in Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee
Many fathers assume that their access to children will be limited after divorce. However, under Tennessee law, fathers have the same child custody rights as mothers. The parent who takes care of the child during the marriage is usually the parent who will take care of child after the divorce, regardless of the parent's sex. Unmarried fathers also have child custody and visitation rights, once paternity has been established.
At the Law Offices of Howard, Kendrick & Reynolds in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we will help you negotiate a child custody and visitation agreement that allows you to preserve your relationship with your children after divorce.
Two Types of Child Custody
There are two types of child custody in Tennessee: legal custody and residential custody. Legal custody concerns the right to make decisions about your child. Residential custody is where your child will live.
Family court judges in Tennessee favor joint child custody arrangements except in cases of abuse or child endangerment. However, since courts want to have continuity and stability in your child's life, one parent will usually have the right to establish the primary residence for your child. The other parent will have regular visitation, which is called parenting time.
If you and your spouse cannot agree on a child custody and visitation agreement, we will carefully explain the factors the courts will use to decide who should have primary physical custody and advise you of your options. We can also represent you if you have disputes over issues such as relocation or other child custody changes after divorce.
Tennessee Child Support Guidelines
Tennessee courts will use a statutorily defined formula to determine child support payments based on the income of both parents and the number of children they support. However, disputes can result if one parent does not declare all of his or her income to the court.
We will help ensure that child support payments are calculated fairly. We can help you enforce your child support agreement after divorce or help you seek a modification of child support if your financial situation changes.
In Tennessee, your spouse is not permitted to deny visitation even if you are not paying child support.
Free Attorney Consultation
For more information about child custody and support or to schedule a free initial consultation with a lawyer at the Law Offices of Howard, Kendrick & Reynolds, call us at 615-217-3560 or fill out the contact form on this Web site.
