Maryville Family Lawyer
Family law issues are some of the most emotional among all legal disputes. As the name suggests, family law helps resolve disputes within families. While family law can rip families apart, such as when a couple without children gets a divorce, it can also bring families together, such as when a parent is awarded child custody. As with all other legal disputes, state law dictates how family disputes are resolved in Tennessee. Below, our Maryville family lawyer outlines some of the biggest issues in these legal areas, and how we can help you obtain the resolution you seek.
Divorce vs. Legal Separation
While there is only one way to officially dissolve a marriage in Tennessee, couples who no longer want to live like a married couple have many options. Legal separation is a better choice for many couples who do not want to get a divorce due to religious or personal reasons, or who simply want more time to consider divorce. Legal separation does not officially terminate a marriage, but it can be used as grounds for divorce.
In order to officially and legally end a marriage, a couple must get a divorce. There are also many ways to get a divorce in Maryville, and throughout Tennessee. A person can file on fault-based grounds, meaning they are actually accusing their spouse of being to blame for the end of the marriage. Some fault-based grounds are cruelty, habitual drunkenness, and felony conviction, to name just a few. A couple can also state irreconcilable differences and obtain a no-fault divorce.
Child Custody and Support
Of all the different disputes that can arise in family law, people tend to become most combative over child custody issues. In most cases, both parents have a right to see their child and develop or maintain a bond with them. Still, even when both parents have approximately the same amount of parenting time, one parent is likely to be considered the primary caregiver. The other parent will receive visitation rights. All child custody decisions are made depending on what is in the best interests of the child.
Parents with visitation rights are also usually required to pay the primary parent child support. Child support is intended to make sure the child’s needs are met and that both parents are contributing financially. Child support payments usually end when the child turns 18 years old, or when they finish high school. Family law judges in Maryville will use established guidelines when determining who will pay child support, and the amount to be paid.
Our Family Law Attorney in Maryville Provides Sound Legal Advice
If you are going through a divorce, or have questions about a child custody or support issue, our Maryville family law lawyer can help. At Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette, our seasoned attorney can answer your questions and provide sound legal advice so you obtain the favorable outcome you are hoping for. Call us now at 865-426-1966 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to get more information.
