Child Issues In Divorce And Family Law

If you are like most parents facing separation or divorce, you are naturally concerned about your children’s well-being as well as your parental rights. You may be concerned about how to protect them from family change and potential instability. Family law statutes in Tennessee and elsewhere also devote considerable attention to the issue of child custody and visitation for children whose parents are separated or divorced.

Toward A Workable Custody Plan And A Fair Child Support Order

When children are caught in the middle of a couple heading for divorce, the law protects them in a number of ways. Parenting time arrangements and child support orders will be part of the divorce decree. If parents agree to a reasonable child custody plan and if numbers line up with the state child support calculator, a family law judge is likely to agree, too.

Unfortunately, determining custody and support arrangements can be the most contentious aspect of a divorce. We therefore caution you against negotiating extensively with your spouse or ex-spouse on this important topic without getting a lawyer’s advice. It is important to have an experienced attorney who can help you reach an arrangement you can accept and live by. If informal negotiations do not yield a workable result, disagreement may be resolved through mediation or litigation.

Understanding The Law’s Interpretation Of The Best Interests Of The Child

In Tennessee, the primary factor the court takes into consideration when awarding child custody and support is the best interests of the child. The courts favor joint custody, but when the court determines that such an arrangement does not serve the best interest of the child, judges are prepared to award custody to the parent who demonstrates a consistent and reliable commitment to their children. If you are involved in a custody battle or support dispute, The Law Office of Joseph S. Ozment, PLLC, can help make sure that:

  • You understand your rights and responsibilities.
  • You understand what a parenting arrangement will mean in practical terms before you agree to it.
  • If there is uncertainty about either parent’s income or assets when child support is being calculated, thorough documentation will clarify the key issues.
  • If you and the other parent disagree substantially, you will understand what it will take to fight for your children’s best interests and your parental rights.

This law firm handles a full range of child-related family law matters, including:
Child support

  • Child support modifications
  • Enforcement of child support orders
  • Child custody modifications and enforcement
  • Paternity actions
  • Stepparent adoption

Contact Memphis Child Custody Attorney Joseph S. Ozment

We advocate for parents and children in family law cases throughout Shelby County, Tipton County, Fayette County and beyond. You can reach our Memphis metro area family law firm 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 901-525-4357 or by email through this website.