LaFollette Family Lawyer
Family law issues involve much more than simply filing paperwork. They are major life changes and naturally, can cause you to feel very stressed, overwhelmed, and emotional. Whether you are getting a divorce, have a custody dispute, or another issue, you need legal help. Our LaFollette family lawyer knows how difficult these situations can be and can reduce the stress you feel while giving you the best chance of a successful outcome.
Divorce
Divorce is perhaps the most common family law issue. A divorce can be contested or uncontested, depending on whether the couple agrees to the different terms. There are many different grounds for divorce in LaFollette, and throughout Tennessee, as well as many legal requirements. For example, at least one of the spouses must have resided in the state for a minimum of six months.
Property Division
When two people get a divorce, marital property must be divided among them. Marital property refers to assets and liabilities that were acquired during the marriage by the couple. Tennessee is an equitable distribution state, which means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. Determining what property is marital and separate is not easy. For example, while an inheritance is generally considered to be separate property regardless of when it was received, there are factors that could convert it to marital property.
Child Custody and Support
Child custody disputes are very emotional for everyone in the family. All custody decisions must be made according to what is in the best interests of the child. The factors considered are the age and health of both parents, the stability of the different home environments, the preference of the child in some cases, and others. When parents can agree to custody arrangements, they can create a parenting plan and submit it to the court. As long as the parenting plan reflects the best interests of the child, the judge will approve it.
When one parent is awarded primary custody, the other typically pays them child support. Child support in Tennessee ends when a child turns 18 years old, or when the child graduates from high school.
Post-Divorce Modifications
The child custody, child support, and other orders issued during a divorce are final and legally binding. Violating these court orders will result in serious penalties, including being found in contempt of court. If there is a significant change in circumstances that makes it difficult for people to comply with the order, they can petition the court for a modification. It is critical to obtain the approval of the court before making any changes to an official order.
Call Our Family Law Attorney in LaFollette for Legal Advice
At Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette, our LaFollette family law lawyer is committed to helping families and individuals navigate the challenges they face. We can put our expertise to work for you too, and will provide strong legal support tailored to your unique situation. Call us now at 423-226-3787 or chat with us online to request a consultation with our experienced attorney and to get the sound legal advice you need.
