Nashville Child Visitation Lawyer

Child Visitation Attorney In Nashville, TN

Seeking child visitation can be a stressful and difficult process. Having someone on your side to explain child visitation laws and represent you can be intensely beneficial. A Nashville child visitation lawyer has the skills to guide you through the process.

Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC: Knowledgeable Nashville Child Visitation Lawyers

Our dedicated team at Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC has been representing child visitation cases for years. With an in-depth understanding of child visitation laws and a passion for helping our clients seek the optimal outcome, you can rest assured that we can advocate for your rights.

When seeking child visitation, everyone involved is focused on the best interest of the child. Our skilled Nashville family lawyer can advocate for the child and for you throughout your case. Because we have years of experience, we can answer your questions, follow the legal protocol, and negotiate fiercely on your behalf.

Nashville Child Visitation Laws

Half of all custodial parents have either a legal or informal agreement about child custody. Having a formal plan in place can protect both the child and the parent. Because families come in a variety of sizes, there are varying types of custody. If parents don’t live together, there can sometimes be a custodial parent, who has the legal and physical custody of the child, and a noncustodial parent, who can seek the right to visit their child.

A parent who has been denied custody still has the right to see their child; in that case, the court can decide to grant them visitation rights. When considering if someone will be granted visitation, the court doesn’t have a set list of statutes to review, but they could look at:

• The relationship between the parent and child, along with their emotional ties
• How interested both parties are in maintaining a connection
• The general attitude toward the child
• The child’s needs
• The emotional, mental, and physical well-being of the person seeking visitation rights
• Evidence of past physical or emotional abuse
• Past cooperation with the custodial parent

This doesn’t just apply to noncustodial parents; it could also apply to grandparents or other family members. Rarely, the court might find a reason to grant third parties, like a stepparent, visitation, but that is uncommon.

Child’s Preference

In Tennessee, the court might take the child’s preference under consideration once the child has reached 12 years of age. If deemed appropriate, they might ask the child’s preference before they turn 12 as well. This doesn’t determine the court’s decision, however, but it could be a factor in the ruling.

If deciding visitation might take some time, the court can also award temporary visitation in the meantime. Your visitation rights attorney can seek this to maintain stability for the child and keep the connection strong. The goal is to grant a permanent parenting plan, which can ultimately provide a sense of routine and stability for the child.

Hire a Child Visitation Lawyer

Seeking visitation rights can be exhausting, not to mention emotionally draining. With many complexities to the law, it can be very useful to hire a child visitation lawyer to manage your case. A Nashville visitation rights lawyer can:

• Advocate for your visitation rights.
• Provide sound legal advice.
• Assess your existing visitation rights, and explain them clearly.
• Negotiate visitation rights.
• Create a comprehensive strategy based on your unique needs.
• Help draft visitation schedules.
• Communicate with the custodial parent’s lawyer about visitation schedules.
• Represent you at the Metro Courthouse on Public Square in Nashville or elsewhere.

Having represented many visitation rights cases in the past, a visitation rights lawyer has a keen understanding of how taxing this can be. They can provide sound legal advice based on years of experience, along with compassionate and caring support throughout your child visitation case.

FAQs

What Is the Standard Visitation Schedule in Tennessee?

While there is no such thing as a standard visitation schedule in Tennessee, it can be common for the non-custodial parent to have a similar schedule. This schedule can usually involve having parenting time every other weekend, two weeks in the summer, and sharing holidays. The actual visitation schedule will vary on a case-by-case basis, however, and shouldn’t be assumed. A Nashville child visitation attorney can provide a better idea with your unique circumstances in mind.

Can the Father Keep the Children From the Mother in Tennessee?

Legally, neither parent can keep their children from the other parent without a specific court order. While it’s preferable for parents to work together to come up with a parenting schedule, if that’s not possible, then the court will become involved. A father cannot keep the children away from their mother unless the court has decided on that arrangement. Keeping children away from their mother can look bad in court and might negatively affect future visitation decisions.

At What Age Can a Child Express Their Preference on Visitation in Tennessee?

According to Tennessee law, a child can tell the court their preference when they’ve reached the age of 12. Just because they make their preference known, however, it doesn’t mean that the court is obligated to abide by their wishes. The court will take it into consideration, but the judge will ultimately prioritize the child’s best interests when deciding who gets visitation rights. They might also hear what a child younger than twelve wishes as well.

What Is the Biggest Mistake Someone Can Make in a Custody Battle?

There are many mistakes someone can make during a custody battle. Examples would be lying to the court, knowingly withholding information, or exaggerating the truth. Another big mistake a lot of parents make is badmouthing the other parent or trying to turn their child against the other. This can not only negatively affect the court’s opinion of you, but it can also hurt the child. A custody battle is hard enough without confusing the child.

Contact Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC

Our law firm has years of experience in helping people seek visitation. We understand how much your child means to you and how stressful this time period can be. Our team can support you as much as we can. You don’t have to face this alone. Having a Nashville child visitation lawyer on your side can greatly affect the outcome of your case.

To learn more about our services, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.