Chattanooga Child Custody Lawyer

Both fathers and mothers have the right to maximum parenting time under the law in TN. It doesn’t matter if the parents were divorced or never married. The amount of parenting time a parent is awarded will depend upon various factors that concern each parent’s ability to care for their children effectively.

When it comes to determining child custody arrangements, the court takes various factors into consideration to ensure the best interests of the child are met. Understanding these factors can help you navigate the custody process and make informed decisions.

Does Tennessee Favor Mothers in Custody Cases?

Mothers have no special rights or settled laws that favor child custody over fathers in TN.  Therefore, it would violate a parent's legal rights to favor one gender over another in a custody dispute.

Can a Father Receive Full Custody in Tennessee?

For a father to get full custody in Tennessee, you are entitled to petition a family court in TN for full or joint custody.  Any father who wants to ensure his legal right to create a parent-child relationship with their child has the legal right to do so once the paternity is official. For unmarried fathers in Chattanooga, TN, determining paternity may not be enough to ensure adequate time with their children. 

You also must convince the family court in TN that awarding you additional time is in your child’s best interest.  Our child custody lawyers in Chattanooga can represent a father seeking child custody modification or establishing paternity.

Types of Child Custody in Tennessee

When it comes to child custody in Tennessee, it's important to understand the different types of custody arrangements and how they may apply to your situation. Our experienced Chattanooga child custody lawyers can provide guidance and representation to help you navigate the complexities of custody laws in the state.

Types of custody arrangements in Tennessee include:

• Physical custody: Determines where the child will live and the visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent.
• Legal custody: Involves the right to make important decisions regarding the child's upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
• Joint custody: Both parents share physical and legal custody of the child, requiring cooperation and communication between the parties.
• Sole custody: One parent has primary physical and legal custody of the child, with the other parent typically having visitation rights.

Our legal team can help you understand your rights and options when it comes to child custody in Tennessee, and work towards a favorable arrangement that serves the best interests of your child.

Understanding Joint Custody in Tennessee

When it comes to child custody in Tennessee, joint custody is a common arrangement where both parents share legal and physical custody of their children. In joint custody cases, parents work together to make important decisions regarding their children's upbringing, education, healthcare, and more. This arrangement can be beneficial for both parents and children, as it allows for continued involvement from both parents in their children's lives.

Key points to consider about joint custody in Tennessee:

• Both parents have equal rights and responsibilities in making decisions for their children.
• Children spend significant time with both parents, promoting strong relationships with each parent.
• Parents must communicate effectively and cooperate to make joint custody successful.
• Joint custody can provide stability and consistency for children after a divorce or separation.

Our experienced family law attorneys at Horton, Ballard & Pemerton PLLC can help you navigate the complexities of joint custody arrangements in Tennessee and advocate for the best interests of you and your children.

How Our Chattanooga Family Law Attorneys Can Help You

Horton, Ballard & Pemerton can handle your child custody case and will work to ensure your goals are met.

Some important benefits of hiring our TN family law firm are:

• Our child support lawyers can file a child support modification and will ensure your request has a strong legal basis.
• If you’re planning to relocate with your child, we can advise you and fight for your legal rights.
• Our custody lawyers can represent both the father and mother in protecting their rights to see their children.

Key Factors in Tennessee Child Custody Decisions

Family law attorneys Bill Horton and Bill Pemerton have years of child custody experience working on visitation agreements and other child custody matters in Chattanooga, TN, and the surrounding communities. 

Whether you are setting up an initial child custody and visitation schedule or seeking a custody modification. At Horton, Ballard & Pemerton PLLC, our experienced Chattanooga child custody lawyers understand the importance of protecting your child's best interests. We will work closely with you to develop a custody plan that prioritizes your child's well-being and fosters a healthy parent-child relationship.

Contact Horton, Ballard & Pemerton to Ensure Your Parent-child Bond Stays Intact. Call (423) 427-4944.

Understanding the Types of Custody Arrangements

Child custody can be a complex and emotional topic, and it’s important to understand the different types of custody arrangements available in Tennessee. By grasping these distinctions, you can make informed decisions that prioritize your child's well-being.

There are primarily two types of custody in Tennessee:

• Physical Custody: This refers to where the child resides. A parent with physical custody has the child living primarily with them. In some cases, parents may share physical custody, allowing the child to split time between both households.
• Legal Custody: Legal custody grants a parent the authority to make significant decisions about the child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious instruction. Legal custody can also be shared between parents, allowing both to have a say in these important matters.

Additionally, custody arrangements can be further classified into:

• Sole Custody: One parent has full custody rights and responsibilities, while the other parent may have limited visitation rights.
• Joint Custody: Where both parents share custody responsibilities, fostering collaboration and communication in raising the child.

Understanding these arrangements can help in discussions with your attorney about what may be best for your family. At Horton, Ballard & Pemerton PLLC, we are dedicated to helping you navigate these complexities while focusing on the best interests of your child. Contact us for a consultation to explore your custody options and rights.