Child Custody

Many parents ask this question during a custody dispute. The short answer is that Tennessee courts may consider a child’s wishes, but the child does not control the outcome. The judge still looks at what serves the child’s best interests. Under Tennessee law, age and...

An order of protection can have an immediate and significant impact on a custody case. While custody decisions are generally based on the best interests of the child, an order of protection generally shifts the court’s focus even more strongly toward safety—both for...

One of the key elements of successful co-parenting is communication. This can be difficult for divorced parents – whether they’re communicating via text, email, co-parenting app, on the phone or in person. Phone or face-to-face communication can be uncomfortable for...

While preparing for a divorce, parents must take certain steps to protect their rights. It is important to understand what factors influence child custody determinations, especially in scenarios where parents are unlikely to reach an agreement on parenting time...

Tennessee custody law is gender-neutral. Courts throughout the state focus on the child’s best interests, not a parent’s label as “mother” or “father.” Still, dads often face practical hurdles in early case stages, especially when paternity is not legally established....

You love your children with your whole heart and would do anything for them. And, before your divorce, you enjoyed a strong parent-child bond with them. Since the divorce, it seems like things have changed, and your children no longer want to spend time with you....

When a marriage starts falling apart, it is not just the couple who feels the weight of it if children are caught in the middle. If you and your spouse are struggling and you share children, you may be considering therapy to fix what is broken or at least to soften...

Co-parenting with your ex-partner can be challenging, even in ideal circumstances. However, if they have a narcissistic personality, it can feel impossible at times. Recognizing the difficulties associated with narcissists and having some practical strategies can help...

When parents divorce, one co-parent is required to pay child support to help ensure that children receive the financial resources they need. When one parent fails to make their required payments, it doesn’t just affect the other parent — it directly impacts the...

You have a court order for custody and parenting time. One day, you learn your child's other parent plans to get remarried. Understandably, you might wonder if your custody order continues to be valid after that marriage occurs. Will that remarriage disrupt the...