Divorce
Marriages break down for many reasons, and it can be extremely difficult to get past the anger, regret and other emotions you feel when you must confront divorce. A knowledgeable, balanced family law attorney can be instrumental in helping you gain perspective and make sound decisions for your future.
We are adept at identifying the most practical, efficient solutions for couples who are able to minimize conflict. If you and your spouse can agree on child custody, visitation, support and property division, you may be able to complete an uncontested divorce. You can cite irreconcilable differences, and we will carefully draft or review your Marital Dissolution Agreement. In many cases, this process can be completed within approximately 60 to 90 days.
However, more often, couples have serious difficulty settling critical issues on their own. You may disagree about the custody arrangement best for your children, whether alimony is justified, the value of a business, or who will receive certain possessions. We embrace the challenges presented by contested family law matters, and we can guide you every step of the way through mediation and/or litigation.
Child Support
Child support is a major consideration for parents who divorce, and also for many unmarried parents. If you will pay support, it is essential to ensure that the facts and numbers used to set the amount are accurate. You also need a strong sense of what that amount will be, so that you can plan accordingly. If you will receive child support, our lawyers can assist you in securing a fair order and also if you need help with a modification or enforcement down the road.
Child Custody and Visitation
Where children will live and how much time the nonresidential father or mother will spend with them are often the toughest issues to resolve in a Tennessee divorce. Most parents’ goals are based in love and genuine concern — but this does not prevent disputes over what orders will serve their children’s best interests.
No one wins when sons or daughters are treated as pawns or weapons in divorce. However, legitimate disputes about child custody and visitation may resist any amicable agreement, even when parents are determined to shield their children from the fallout.
Alimony
Alimony is not automatic, but it is an important consideration and bargaining chip in many divorces. If your contested divorce goes to trial, alimony determinations are left up to a judge. Alimony may also be a component of negotiated settlements. Changes in state law have brought alimony into the equation where it might not have previously applied.
The court considers many factors in determining spousal support: length of the marriage, age and health, education and earning capacity, disparity in current income, child-rearing contributions, and standard of living.
Adoption
If you are considering adopting a child, allow our lawyers to ease the stress and frustration of the adoption process. Adding a child to your family through adoption and surrogacy can be very complicated and time consuming. We are familiar with the adoption laws and knowledgeable about the adoption procedures. It is critical to hire a competent Tennessee adoption lawyer to make sure that the adoption is legal and binding.
We Can Help
Our office stands ready to assist you with any family law matter. We will handle your case promptly, discretely, and with the professionalism it deserves. During difficult and trying times, you deserve a law firm that will care as much as you do about the issues you and your family face.
