This is a multi-state form covering the subject matter of the title.
This is a multi-state form covering the subject matter of the title.
Tennessee recently enacted new child custody laws. Effective July 1, 2024, there is now a legal presumption that joint legal custody and equal parenting time schedules are in the best interests of minor children. However, the new law does not apply if a court enters an order of protection involving the children.
Filing for Child Custody in Tennessee: 5 Steps Step 1: Determine your court. Divorce and separation. Step 2: Complete your paperwork. Divorce and separation. Step 3: Finalize your forms. Step 4: Hand in your paperwork. Divorce. Step 5: Service. Responding to a complaint (defendants only) Preparing for what comes next.
Tennessee follows the “American Rule” which means that each party in a lawsuit pays their own attorney fees, no matter who wins.
If a child is born to unmarried persons and there is no COURT ORDER identifying a father, Tennessee law states that the mother automatically has both legal and physical custody of the child. In order for a potential father to have any custody/visitation rights to a child, there MUST be a COURT ORDER.
The petition needs to be filed in a court in the county where either the child, mother or father live. Once the petition is filed, the court will require either a DNA test or a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity by a potential father.
The petition needs to be filed in a court in the county where either the child, mother or father live. Once the petition is filed, the court will require either a DNA test or a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity by a potential father.
One of the most effective ways to strengthen your case is to provide concrete evidence of your role as a caregiver. Document your involvement in your child's life by keeping detailed records of things like doctor's appointments, school activities, extracurricular engagements, and any other significant events.
Disrespectful Language : Avoid using any form of disrespect, such as insults, sarcasm, or derogatory remarks about the judge, the opposing party, or even the legal system. Negative Comments About the Other Parent : Speaking poorly about the other parent can reflect badly on you. Emotional Outbursts