A: A custody case can be regarded as high conflict if it involves a refusal to cooperate, ongoing litigation, or any type of harm to the child that is emotionally or psychologically damaging. If you and your ex or co-parent have been to court many times or are constantly fighting, your case might be considered high conflict. An experienced attorney can help you navigate such sensitive cases.
Murfreesboro High Conflict Custody Lawyer
High Conflict Custody Attorney In Murfreesboro, TN
Unfortunately, not all custody cases can be resolved through compromise. In Murfreesboro and across Rutherford County, some custody battles can become emotionally charged, never-ending legal disputes, especially in situations that involve allegations of substance use, abuse, or extreme distrust between the parents. If this is your case, a Murfreesboro high conflict custody lawyer from Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC is eager to support you.
At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, we understand just how damaging high conflict custody matters can be. Whether you are entering into a dispute over custody for the first time or if you’ve already been handling years of modifications going back and forth, an attorney from our team can support you with our decades of experience in the courtroom and deep understanding of Tennessee family law.
Located in Murfreesboro, we are used to representing families in the Rutherford County Chancery and Circuit Courts, championing even the most complex of custody cases in the region.
Why High Conflict Custody Cases Require a Different Legal Strategy
In Tennessee, many custody matters involve developing a reasonable and practical Permanent Parenting Plan. In high conflict cases, however, even simple agreements can quickly fall into shambles because of the following:
- Restraining orders or domestic violence situations.
- Hostility between parents.
- Mental health concerns.
- Substance abuse issues.
- Manipulation of the children involved or false accusations.
- Gatekeeping parenting behaviors.
- Interference with an existing visitation or custody plan.
Such cases not only require attorneys who are assertive and strategic in their negotiations but also have deep experience with trial litigation. Our dedicated team understands working with forensic psychologists, Guardian ad Litems, and evaluators of child custody, leveraging these resources to bring forward convincing evidence in front of local courts.
Understanding Murfreesboro Families: Income, Structure, and Custody Impacts
According to the most recent data from the American Community Survey, the median household income in Murfreesboro is roughly $78,000 in 2023. Married couple families have a median income of $115,902, and non-family households have an income of $51,560. This makes for an overall family median income of $101,213.
These figures show that there are notable economic divisions in the Murfreesboro community between non-married and married households. These financial disparities can commonly play out in court, especially in determinations for child support, concerns about one parent’s ability to provide financial stability, and requests for exclusive residential custody.
Whether you are a single parent who is looking to get sole custody over your child or if you are a primary caregiver in a dual-income household, we can work to balance your parental rights with the best interests of your child.
Common Types of High Conflict Custody Situations
Our dedicated law firm has experience successfully representing custody cases in Murfreesboro across the Rutherford County Court system in settings such as the Rutherford County Chancery Court, Rutherford County Circuit Court, and Juvenile Court of Rutherford County.
We have successfully handled high conflict custody cases that commonly emerge from the following situations:
- Visitation interference. Parents who ignore parenting plans, deny visitation, or try to manipulate custody exchanges are not uncommon in high conflict scenarios. We can push to file petitions for contempt or modification, if necessary, and work to ensure court orders are enforced.
- Battles over relocation. If a parent is looking to move out of Murfreesboro or even Tennessee, this can escalate into a custody battle. Under Tennessee law, it is required to give notice and have a court hearing before a child can be relocated. Whether you need to relocate or if you are an objecting parent, we can represent you in such crucial disputes.
- Parental alienation. Unfortunately, in high conflict cases, some parents may try to turn their child or children against the other parent. Our team is familiar with common tactics for alienation and can help you involve mental health professionals or even petition the court to make sure this emotional abuse is addressed before it leads to long-term damage.
- Neglect or abuse allegations. Courts act with extreme caution in cases where a parent is accusing the other of any type of abuse, whether that be sexual, emotional, or physical. Such cases require immediate and investigative legal representation. We can help you navigate such sensitive matters.
As we’re familiar with the local Rutherford County Court system, we have a deep understanding of expectations regarding co-parenting behaviors, as well as evidence and documentation the courts like to see. We are eager to bring our courtroom credibility and local insights to your case.
FAQs:
Q: Can I Get Full Custody in Murfreesboro If the Other Parent Is Unstable?
A: You may be able to get full custody in Murfreesboro if the other parent is unstable. Generally, the courts in Tennessee prefer to keep each parent involved in the child’s life. However, if there is one parent who poses significant risks because of emotional manipulation, criminal activity, or substance abuse, you may be able to request sole custody.
Q: How Do Judges View Parental Alienation?
A: Judges increasingly are viewing parental alienation as a notable form of emotional abuse in high conflict custody cases. This means that if a parent is trying to interfere with or undermine the relationships that you have with your child, courts may be open to enforcing required counseling, restricting contact, or modifying parenting plans.
Q: Will I Have to Go to Trial?
A: No, not all high conflict custody cases end up having to go to trial. There are many cases that can be settled before going to trial. An experienced attorney from our firm can build up your case as if it were going to trial, as this level of preparation can forge stronger outcomes during negotiation processes.
Contact Us Today – Let Us Fight for What Matters Most
If you are stuck in a high conflict custody case, a Murfreesboro high conflict custody lawyer from Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC is here to fight for your relationship with your child and the future of your family. Contact us online today or call 615-896-4154 to get started.