A: Tennessee family courts decide who gets custody of children by considering what they consider to be in the best interest of the child. A judge will take into account factors such as the ability of each parent to provide a nurturing home environment and upbringing for the child, the relationship each parent has with the child, and the willingness of each party to co-parent. As 71.2% of adults in Murfreesboro are employed, work schedules may also play a key role.
Murfreesboro Child Custody Lawyer
Child Custody Attorney In Murfreesboro, TN
Almost every parent who has gone through divorce has experienced the same deep fear: losing the relationship with their child. Fortunately, under Tennessee law, there are certain legal tools you can leverage to ensure your relationship with your child does not slip away, balancing both your parental rights and what is considered to be your child’s best interest. A skilled Murfreesboro child custody lawyer can help you understand your options.
Some people fear their spouse will try to prevent them from seeing their children. Others fear they will grow apart from their children if they are not with them every day. While legal solutions cannot mend the deep emotional pain of divorce, they can provide a foundation for the family moving forward.
At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, we can help. We have a deep understanding of just how high the stakes are in child custody cases and the emotional weight that they can carry. We have been successfully helping parents in Murfreesboro navigate parenting plans, visitation disputes, and custody battles across the region since our founding in 1975. As the oldest law firm in Murfreesboro, we boast a history of family law excellence.
How We Protect the Relationships With Your Children
Located in Murfreesboro, we are an established law firm that provides family law and other services to individuals throughout Middle Tennessee. From helping parents work through high conflict custody disputes to friendly co-parenting setups, we customize our legal strategies to help you protect what matters most – the well-being and safety of your child.
We understand parents’ fears of dealing with child custody or visitation plans. We have helped parties involved in the most complex cases with the following:
Co-Parenting Agreements
Many parents are seeking a custody agreement that allows both parents quality time with the children and creates a dynamic partnership under which they can work together to raise the children. Our lawyers can explain co-parenting options and create one that works for you and your children.
Fathers’ Rights
Many fathers fear their spouse will prevent them from seeing their child. If you are a father and seeking advocacy for your rights as a parent, let us help. We often represent fathers who are not married to the mothers of their children.
Parental Alienation
In some unfortunate cases, one parent may try to turn a child against the other parent. This is referred to as parental alienation. If this is happening to you, we can fight to make sure your rights as a parent are protected, getting the court to intervene if necessary.
Orders Of Protection
Orders of protection may be necessary if a child is in danger and needs to be protected from a parent who could be placing the child at risk of harm. If you believe your child is in danger, we can discuss orders of protection and the procedures involved.
Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody
Under Tennessee law, legal custody and physical custody are separate. Legal custody is indicative of decision-making power, while physical custody involves where the child will live and spend their time. Generally, courts opt for joint legal custody arrangements unless there are safety or well-being concerns. Our attorneys can help you fight for a custody situation that is right for your child.
Why Local Insight Matters in Custody Cases
Child custody case outcomes can be influenced by the expectations of the court, local trends, and family demographics. The total population in Murfreesboro, according to the 2020 Decennial Census, is over 152,000. According to the 2023 American Community Survey, there are over 63,000 households in the city. As 23.2% of residents are younger than 18 years old, this suggests a large presence of minor children in local family court cases.
When it comes to your child custody case, it’s important to work with local attorneys who not only have extensive negotiation and courtroom litigation experience but also understand the local family dynamics and issues that commonly impact families in Murfreesboro. When advising our clients and building up cases that reflect the realities of modern parenting, we take these local considerations into account.
FAQs:
Q: Can I Modify My Custody Agreement Later?
A: Yes, it may be possible to modify your custody agreement later. Under certain extenuating circumstances, such as if your child’s needs have significantly changed, a parent has had a change in occupation, or if one parent is looking to move, this can be grounds to petition for a modification. Our experienced firm commonly handles and supports both uncontested and contested modification cases.
Q: What If I’m Not Married to My Child’s Other Parent?
A: If you’re not married to your child’s other parent, you have options. For example, if you are the biological father of the child and are not listed on the birth certificate, you’ll have to go through the process of establishing legal paternity to gain parental rights like custody or visitation. As over 37% of Murfreesboro women have never been married, this is a common type of case we are experienced with resolving.
Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Parenting Plan?
A: While it’s not required by law to have a lawyer to draft a parenting plan, it is highly recommended to work with an experienced attorney. A skilled lawyer can help you avoid mistakes that could lead to years of disappointment and frustration. We can help ensure that you draft and get approved an agreement that is detailed and enforceable, as well as robust enough to handle disputes down the line.
Contact an Experienced Murfreesboro Child Custody Lawyer Today
At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, we understand that custody cases are about more than just your legal rights; they signify your relationship and connection with your child. Our legal team is eager to fiercely represent you and your family, making sure that you do not leave something as important as your parental rights and your child’s future to chance.
For more information on how a lawyer from our office can help you resolve your child custody and parenting issues, please contact our law offices today. Call us. at 615-896-4154 or 615-896-4154.