Franklin Child Custody Attorneys

Contact Our Experienced Child Custody Attorneys in Middle Tennessee

Although child custody matters are supposed to be about the children, some parents forget this and make co-parenting a nightmare. At Puryear, Newman & Morton, PLLC, we are committed to helping clients understand their rights as parents so they can pursue a fair custody agreement with the other parent. Child custody matters can be complicated and stressful, which is why our reputable family law attorneys are available to help you navigate Tennessee’s sometimes complex child custody laws.

Understanding Child Custody Arrangements in Tennessee

We know that your relationship with your children is special. Although you and the other parent might have conflicts that spill over into your legal matters, our team of seasoned attorneys will stand by your side throughout the legal process and make sure your best interests are represented. Whether you are going through divorce or separation, or you are an unmarried parent seeking custody, we will use our full resources to advocate for a fair custody agreement.

Courts in Tennessee will approve the following forms of custody:

• Legal Custody: The parent granted legal custody will have decision-making authority over matters regarding the child’s health and welfare.
• Physical Custody: The parent granted physical custody is responsible for providing shelter for the child.
• Sole Custody: Under this type of agreement, one parent is the sole caregiver of the child. The other parent doesn’t give their input.
• Primary Custody: Under this type of agreement, one parent has primary decision-making authority over the child. While the noncustodial parent can give their input for how the child is cared for, the custodial parent makes the final decision.
• Joint Custody: Under this type of agreement, both parents share custody of the child and have to discuss how issues are decided.

Factors Influencing Child Custody Decisions in TN

Typically, child custody arrangements should be agreed upon by parents and then presented to a judge for approval. If parents are unable to reach an agreement, the courts will make that decision for the parents, using the child's best interests as the guiding principle.

Some factors that affect how custody is decided include:

• The ability of each parent to provide for a child's physical, mental, and medical needs
• The emotional ties between each parent and child
• The stability of each parent's home
• The preference of the child if he/she is at least 12 years old
• Each parent's past and future parenting ability
• Health of each parent
• If there is any evidence of abuse that can be harmful to the child

Gender Equality in Tennessee Child Custody Law

Understand that it is agreed law in Tennessee that mothers have no special rights to child custody cases over fathers. Therefore, it would be a constitutional violation of a parent's rights to favor one gender over another in a child custody dispute.