When faced with a family law case, individuals often become overwhelmed by complex state laws and their own emotions. Having a solid support system is key when dealing with the harsh reality of family law. A La Vergne family lawyer can be a part of that system as they navigate your case.
Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC is the oldest law firm in Murfreesboro. We know how challenging family law cases can be for our clients. We strive to provide efficient and empathetic legal services to our community members.
Let us be the ones to help you during this difficult time. Our attorneys pride themselves on their litigation skills during trials, and they can fight tirelessly for your case.
Divorce can be difficult for anyone to go through. In 2023, 7% to 11% of La Vergne residents were divorced. After filing the case at the Rutherford County Chancery Court, located at 116 West Lytle Street in Murfreesboro, couples will then be required to work through their divorce issues, which can include property division, spousal support, and child custody and support. Tennessee recognizes two types of property in a divorce:
When determining how to divide property between the couple, the court looks at many factors, such as:
Spouses can agree in writing on how to divide their property, and the court can include that agreement in the final divorce order.
When a marriage ends, the court can order one or both parents to provide financial support for their minor children. If payments are late, interest can be charged. Parents who are behind on support may face legal penalties, including:
Making child support payments on time is important. Child support orders are legally enforceable, like any other court judgment.
During a child custody case, it’s essential to hire a family lawyer. The outcome of your case affects your child’s future well-being, so it requires a strong advocate to make sure your legal rights aren’t being violated at any point.
If both parents can agree on a custody plan for their child, the court will generally approve it, unless it’s not in the best interests of the child. Tennessee courts don’t favor one parent over the other based on their gender; rather, they largely prefer joint custody. In 2023, 1,546 households in La Vergne were run by male householders, while 2,061 were run by female householders.
If one parent doesn’t agree with a ruling for joint custody, they must show evidence that sole custody is in their child’s best interests.
After the court decides which parent will have custody, the noncustodial parent can request visitation. The court will set a schedule showing which parent the child will live with on specific days, including holidays and other special occasions. Per Tennessee’s family laws, each parent has certain rights to stay involved in the child’s life. They can:
The court may limit or adjust these rights if it’s in the child’s best interest.
When dividing marital debt, the court considers many factors. These include:
The court will also look at how attorneys’ fees were handled and whether those fees were reasonable and necessary. The court can use marital property to pay marital debts before dividing what remains between the spouses.
After a custody order has been granted, if a parent wants to move either out of state or more than 50 miles away from La Vergne, that parent must notify the other parent by certified mail at least 60 days before the move. If the non-moving parent objects within 30 days, the moving parent must file a petition with the court to approve relocation. The court will consider what’s right for the child when determining whether to approve or deny the relocation.
Child support typically ends when the child turns 18, graduates, marries, or dies. For children with disabilities, support may continue past 18 or even 21 if the court finds it in the child’s best interest and the parent can afford to keep paying. If you’re struggling to meet your child support payments, you could request an order modification from the court. A judge may grant a modification if your income changes significantly.
If a parent wants to change an existing custody order, they must show that there has been a significant change in circumstances affecting the child’s well-being. This could include a parent not following the current plan, changes in the child’s needs, or changes in the parent’s living or work situation. The court will explain its reasons for any custody decision. However, child support orders are separate and aren’t automatically changed when custody changes.
Contact Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC today to set up your first appointment with one of our lawyers. You don’t have to deal with your legal situation by yourself. We’re here to offer transparent legal guidance so you can make informed choices regarding your case. Let’s work together to get back control over your life.