Take The Fear Out Of Child Custody Battles
Nothing is more terrifying than the thought of losing your children or having to be separated from them. No one enters a marriage and has children thinking that one day, their children might not be able to spend every night at home in their own beds. Unfortunately, the reality is that not all marriages survive, and the byproduct of divorce that these wonderful children you created with your spouse will now have to spend time with each of you separately, in your separate homes.
At McKinnish Law Group, our attorneys are firm believers that their role is to provide legal expertise and strategy and that you, as our client, are the best asset to your child custody case because after all, who knows a child and their needs better than their parent?
Guidance You Can Depend On For Your Children
Sometimes by the time you reach the divorce breaking point, the thought of co-parenting in a positive manner seems like a dream. However, after a divorce is concluded, parents often are able to co-parent better than when they were going through the divorce because parents quit feeling threatened that they will lose their children.
We encourage our clients to rely on family, professional counselors, clergy and support groups to assist parents in dealing with divorce and in helping their children deal with divorce. In an ideal situation, both parents are able to put their marital problems aside and focus on the best interests of the children as divorce ensues. This is not always the case. In more acrimonious cases, our attorneys will steer clients in the right direction to help the parents and children both cope with the divorce and, if necessary, suggest tools such as custody evaluators, parent coaches, and/or guardians ad litem to assist the court in deciding the best child custody and child support arrangement for the children.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we address some common questions regarding child custody and visitation in Knoxville, Tennessee, to help you better understand the process.
How is child visitation typically arranged in Knoxville, Tennessee?
In Knoxville, child visitation is generally arranged through negotiation between parents, focusing on the best interests of the child. If parents cannot agree, the court may intervene to establish a visitation schedule. Factors such as the child’s age, relationship with each parent and parental work schedules will be considered. Mediation may also be recommended to facilitate a resolution.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?
Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, health care and religious practices. Physical custody, on the other hand, pertains to where the child lives and the time they spend with each parent. Parents may share legal custody while one parent has primary physical custody.
Can grandparents or other relatives seek visitation rights in Tennessee?
Yes, under Tennessee law, grandparents and other relatives can seek visitation rights. However, they must demonstrate that such visitation is in the child’s best interest and that it is necessary to maintain a relationship with the child. This often involves presenting evidence of the child’s well-being and the significance of the family connection.
What are common mistakes to avoid during a child custody case?
Several common mistakes can hinder a child custody case, including:
- Failing to document important events and interactions with the child.
- Ignoring court orders or failing to adhere to agreed-upon visitation schedules.
- Engaging in negative communication about the other parent in front of the child.
- Not prioritizing the child’s best interests and emotional well-being.
Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome in your custody case.
See How We Can Help You
As a former CASA volunteer, child care nanny and mother, Jennifer McKinnish offers a unique combination: She is a knowledgeable and seasoned attorney with compassion for children. The result is an attorney who will pursue a client’s goals relentlessly and effectively. Child custody cases are not the place to bargain shop. There are no do-overs when it comes to your children. Before embarking through a child custody case, make sure you are well represented by an attorney who knows the law and loves and cares for children – the combination is one that is amazingly effective. Call 865-229-9854 or email us here for a free consultation to make sure you hire the right attorney for your child custody case.