Columbia Child Custody Attorney
Keeping Both Parents Involved in Children's Lives
Traditionally, divorce and other family breakups have often led to fathers being unfairly shut out of their children's lives. In recent decades, fathers' rights advocates have made a lot of progress in helping fathers preserve their relationships with their children.
At The Law Offices of James Flexer, our Nashville fathers' rights lawyers represent both fathers and mothers in child custody, visitation and support cases, and we are always prepared to answer our clients' questions about fathers' rights under Tennessee law.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation with one of the knowledgeable lawyers at our firm. We have offices in Nashville, Murfreesboro and Columbia.
Understanding How Custody and Visitation Decisions Are Made
When a child's parents break up, it is important for that child to have some level of continuity. This usually means that the parent who has been the primary caretaker for the child will get physical custody. In our society, this is most often the mother, especially when the child is younger.
In order for dads to get physical custody, they generally need to show that they have played a major role in their children's lives and are prepared to take on heavy parenting duties.
However, even when they do not get primary custody, fathers can still have important parental rights, including visitation rights and rights to participate in important decisions.
Tennessee family law provides for the creation of parenting plans to detail the custody arrangements. Our attorneys will pursue a parenting plan that preserves your rights as a father in light of the best interests of your children.
Addressing Fathers' Concerns About Child Support
Many fathers who do not receive physical custody are also concerned about the amount of child support that they will have to pay. Under Tennessee law, there are guidelines for attempting to balance fathers' child support obligations with the financial needs of the child(ren).
When a Court has to weigh the father's ability to pay with the needs of the children, a lawyer's ability to make sure the Court takes the most important factors into account can make a huge and long-lasting difference.
If circumstances change after a child custody and support decree is issued, it can be modified to reflect those changes. In some cases, it may be possible for fathers to get greater visitation rights and reductions in child support. Don't hesitate to contact us to discuss your options.
