A Child Custody Attorney in Knoxville can guide you through the complexities of child custody disputes. When parents split, a custody battle may ensue over decisions regarding the child’s health and well being. These disputes can be difficult because both parents want what is best for their children, and each parent has a unique perspective of the situation. Regardless of the circumstances, it is always in the best interest of the child to have as close to a normal life as possible. A Tennessee Child Custody Lawyer will work closely with you to develop a strategy for achieving your goals.
A Tennessee Family Court will consider many different factors in deciding child custody. A judge will try to “maximize the participation of both parents in the child’s life.” This does not necessarily mean equal time. Most parents know that an hour cheering a child on at their baseball game is worth more than countless hours watching them sit in front of the TV or playing a video game. A parent who has been proven to be abusive to the child will have a much harder time being awarded custody than a non-abusive parent. However, a Tennessee Court will also consider whether that parent has undergone sufficient treatment or counseling to demonstrate that he or she can safely have a healthy relationship with the child.
In most situations, the parents will have joint legal custody. The parent who does not have physical custody of the child will be granted visitation rights. The schedule can be mutually agreed upon or set by the court. Visitation rights may be restricted if there are allegations of abuse or dependency & neglect.
The best Family Law Attorney in Knoxville is a skilled and experienced attorney who will take the time to understand your situation and provide you with advice as to the best course of action. A good attorney will be honest and forthright about the options for your case, including the chances of winning. If you choose to hire an attorney, ask for references from other clients and an evaluation of the facts of your case by a family law specialist.
A Tennessee Family Court will determine which parent has physical custody of the child. This may be awarded solely to one parent or shared. The other parent will be entitled to visitation, unless the court finds that it is not in the child’s best interest. In contested custody cases, the court will look at many different factors, but the most important factor is what is in the child’s best interest. A child’s preference is not a valid reason to change custody, but the older the child is, the more weight may be given to that consideration.