Knoxville Family Lawyer
Legal issues impacting a family unit are perhaps some of the hardest. Family law resolves disagreements between family members and so, these matters tend to become very heated and emotional. As with any other type of legal dispute, the Tennessee statutes dictate how these issues are to be resolved. Most family law disputes are settled outside of court and result in an agreement between the opposing sides. Below, our Knoxville family lawyer outlines the most common issues we can help you handle.
Divorce
Perhaps the most common family law issue is divorce. A divorce legally dissolves a marriage between two people. There are many different grounds for divorce in Knoxville, and throughout Tennessee. These include habitual drunkenness, inappropriate marital conduct, and felony conviction. A couple can also agree to end their marriage and obtain a no-fault divorce by stating that there are irreconcilable differences between the two parties.
As with the majority of states in the country, Tennessee law also recognizes legal separation. A legal separation does not legally terminate a marriage, but it does allow the couple to live separate and apart. There are many reasons why a couple may choose legal separation over divorce. Legal separation can also be used as grounds for divorce.
Child-Related Issues
Child custody and child support are two issues that must be resolved when a couple gets divorced, or the people were never married. All child custody decisions in the state are made according to what is in the best interests of the child. When one parent has primary custody, the other is usually ordered to pay child support. Child support is usually terminated when the child turns 18 years old, or graduates high school.
Premarital and Postnuptial Agreements
No one wants to think about divorce when they are in a happy marriage, or even before they have tied the knot. However, thinking about and planning for the future can make things easier in the event that things do not work out. A premarital agreement mainly outlines how financial issues will be handled if the couple gets a divorce. Premarital agreements mainly outline property division and alimony issues. Premarital agreements cannot include provisions for child custody or child support.
A postnuptial agreement is very similar to a premarital agreement. The only difference is that a premarital agreement is drafted and signed prior to a wedding and a postnuptial agreement is signed when a couple is already married. It is always important to work with a lawyer when drafting either type of agreement. Even the smallest mistake could render these documents void, meaning they will not offer the protection you thought they would.
Call Our Family Law Attorney in Knoxville Today
If you have a family law issue, you need legal help. At Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette, our Knoxville family law lawyer can provide it and give you the best chance of a positive outcome. Call us now at 865-766-4200 or chat with us online to request a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
