Nashville Fathers’ Rights Lawyer

Fathers’ Rights Attorney In Nashville, TN

Tennessee no longer has specific laws that prioritize mothers over fathers when arranging the custody of children. Both parents have a vital role in their child’s development and are equally responsible for their upbringing. However, bias can still exist, so having a Nashville fathers’ rights lawyer who understands how to seek your rights as a dad can be critical for succeeding in your case.

Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC: Skilled Nashville Fathers’ Rights Lawyers

Our team at Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC has represented hundreds of families over our many years of serving clients in Nashville. Our experience gives us the ability to understand all aspects of fathers’ rights laws. We have a passion for fiercely advocating for a father’s rights, and we can represent you throughout the legal process.

Our Nashville family law attorneys understand how important it is to maintain a connection with your child, and we can work tirelessly on your behalf to make that happen. You don’t have to face the complex legal system alone. We’re here to help.

Proving Paternity

Advocating for fathers’ rights is not a new concept. Around 4 million children in the nation have custodial fathers. Legally, the court must consider both parents when making custody decisions. The first priority is the best interest of the child, so proving that you are the father and that you care about the child’s well-being is crucial for your case.

Establishing paternity is important for deciding custody, but it can also help establish a child’s identity. It can also let parents know what their responsibility is for the child. Along with that, paternity knowledge might give an insight into hereditary medical issues that may arise.

One of the most important aspects of establishing paternity is claiming fathers’ rights. To establish paternity, you can:

• File a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity.
• Get a court order to establish paternity.
• Take a DNA test.

Once the results have been received, the court can establish who the father is, either through the Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity or a court order. If you have any questions about this, a Nashville fathers’ rights attorney can guide you through every step.

Your Rights as a Father

Once paternity has been established, you may be entitled to certain rights as the child’s parent. Some of these rights could include:

• Filing for a parenting plan
• Securing court-ordered visitation
• Protecting your rights to become a sole parent if something were to happen to the mother
• Adding your child to your health insurance

While it might seem difficult to pursue your rights as a father, your Nashville fathers’ rights attorney can support you. Because they have experience with a wide variety of fathers’ rights cases, they’ll have a unique and knowledgeable perspective as they prepare to advocate for you.

Hire a Fathers’ Rights Lawyer

When you hire a fathers’ rights lawyer, you hire an ally as you work toward the best interest of your child, which can be having a relationship with their father. A fathers’ rights lawyer can:

• Provide legal counsel.
• Explain your father’s rights.
• Draft legal documents.
• Prepare a solid strategy to assert your rights.
• Negotiate with the other parent or their lawyer.
• Navigate complex legal procedures.
• Advocate for a custody arrangement.
• Figure out child support.
• Represent you at the Metro Courthouse on Public Square in Nashville and elsewhere.

Having an experienced fathers’ rights lawyer on your side has the potential to vastly improve your outcome, not to mention the process, which can be arduous for someone without experience. It might save you time and money in the long term if you seek advice from a lawyer as soon as possible. The legal system can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone.

FAQs

What Rights Do Fathers Have in Tennessee?

The father’s rights don’t differ from the mother’s rights in Tennessee. Each parent, no matter their gender, has the same rights, defined in the Tennessee Constitution as the right to care for their child. In deciding custody, the judge looks at multiple factors, such as:

• The parents’ ability to support the child
• Their fitness as a parent
• Past abuse allegations
• The parents’ emotional connection with the child

Above all, the courts prioritize the child’s best interest when making custody decisions.

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

The biggest mistake someone can make during a custody battle is to speak badly about the other parent or to try to turn their child against the other parent. It can cause more emotional distress for the child and change how they perceive the other parent. Along with that, lying or misrepresenting the truth can negatively impact how the court views you, and it might affect the final decision. Be aware of your speech and actions during a custody battle.

How Much Does a Custody Lawyer Cost in Tennessee?

How much a custody lawyer costs in Tennessee depends on many factors, but a main one is how complex the case is. Straightforward cases generally require less time to investigate and develop a strategy for than a complex one. Other factors include the lawyer’s experience and location, along with their billing practices. It’s a good idea to speak with your fathers’ rights lawyer to get an estimate of how much your particular case might cost.

What Are the Grounds for Terminating Parental Rights in Tennessee?

Tennessee has outlined the grounds for terminating parental rights when it is necessary. The court will review evidence for these grounds and make a determination. The grounds for terminating parental rights are many, but they include abandoning the child, severe child abuse, incarceration, or being found mentally incompetent. This list is long. A fathers’ rights attorney in Nashville can figure out if they apply to your case.

Contact Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC

Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC has represented countless fathers seeking to protect their rights, either during a divorce or otherwise. Because our firm has in-depth experience with a variety of fathers’ rights cases, we know how to tailor our knowledge to your specific needs.

To find out how we can support your fathers’ rights case, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.