Hamilton County Child Custody Attorney Advocating For Families In Chattanooga

As life continues to change, your children remain your top priority. Whether you have an existing custody arrangement that needs to be modified or are currently going through a divorce, you want what is best for your children.

Thinking about a custody and visitation schedule or any other family law dispute can be scary. At Ken Lawson Law, we understand your concerns. Our Chattanooga attorney will answer your questions and fight for your rights as a parent.

Putting Your Children First In Child Custody Matters

Divorce forces parents to make some challenging decisions about the care and raising of their children. Besides dissolving the marriage, divorcing couples must agree on days the child will be with each parent, division of holidays, summers and school breaks, health and life insurance, child support and a host of other important matters.

It is important to remember that your goal in a custody dispute is not to win; only your child should win. And your child wins if both parents respect and treat each other with civility at all times in dealing with exchanging the child, future conflicts and even financial responsibilities.

Types Of Custody

Tennessee courts will consider several factors when determining custody and visitation plans. Plans are created with the best interests of your children in mind. There are two forms of custody:

• Sole legal custody: This is when the court awards custody of the child, who is solely responsible for all of the major decisions for the child. The other parent only has visitation when either the custodian permits, or as ordered by the court.
• Shared parenting: This is essentially the same as Joint Custody in the past. Both parents share parenting time with the child, as spelled out in a Permanent Parenting Plan that is determined by the parents by agreement, such as in mediation; or, that is ordered by the court.

Choosing the right custody arrangement depends on the unique needs of your child and the ability of both parents to cooperate. Whether you’re pursuing sole custody or developing a shared parenting plan, it’s important to work with an attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure your rights remain protected.

Guidance For Common Custody Concerns In Hamilton County

Parents going through a custody dispute often have the same initial questions. These include queries about the process, what courts consider and how schedules are structured. Here are a few important things to know as you move forward:

What factors do Tennessee courts consider when deciding child custody?

Courts evaluate each parent’s ability to care for the child, the stability of the home, the child’s relationship with each parent and the child’s best interests overall. Other considerations may include the child’s preference (if age-appropriate) and any history of abuse or neglect.

What does a typical shared parenting or visitation schedule look like in Tennessee?

Schedules vary, but many follow an alternating weekend model with midweek visits. Holidays and summer vacations are typically divided equally. Each plan is tailored to the child’s needs and the parents’ availability.

Can I modify my existing child custody or visitation order?

Yes. If there has been a significant change in circumstances, you can petition the court for a modification. Some examples of such changes include relocation, changes in work schedule or concerns about the child’s well-being.

Talk To An Advocate You Can Trust

There are a lot of factors that go into determining appropriate custody arrangements. At your free initial consultation, we will be happy to discuss the details of your case in relation to the factors used by the courts to render decisions on custody. Call our Ooltewah-based office today at 423-800-6920.