Chattanooga Child Custody Lawyer
Divorce & Family Law Attorney Serving Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville & Franklin
In cases of legal separation, divorce litigation, or even a divorce mediation, one of the most challenging aspects to deal with is the issue of child custody, child support, and parental visitation. Chattanooga divorce attorney Mitchell A. Byrd is certified in family law and mediation, and is experienced in helping parents through what may be the most difficult part of a divorce or legal separation agreement.
Tennessee's Parenting Plan Law
As a direct result of Tennessee's relatively new parenting plan legislation, on January 1, 2001, the concept of custody disappeared from Tennessee family law. As a beginning point, there are new terms to learn. "Primary residential parent" takes the place of "sole custodian." "Residential time" replaces "visitation." A Secondary Residential Parent is the parent having less than equal time and is required to pay child support.
PRIMARY RESIDENTIAL PARENTING refers to determinations involving a minor child. These determinations involve who has the right to make decisions about the child, or primary and secondary residential parenting, including decisions about
- Education
- Religion
- Medical issues
- Discipline
- Where the child will live
With Primary Residential Placement, both parent/guardian have parenting time. In a joint parenting arrangement, both parents/guardians share decisions regarding the child. If you and your spouse cannot agree on a child parenting arrangement, a court will likely make a parenting arrangement decision based on the best interests of your child. This is difficult on everyone and is very expensive.
If you live in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville or Franklin, TN, and are in need of a Chattanooga divorce attorney, turn to the family law offices of Mitchell A. Byrd, PLLC. Contact us at 888-265-4856, or fill out the quick contact form to schedule your free consultation.
