Franklin Child Custody Attorney
When a couple divorces and there are children involved, they or the courts will have to decide on child custody. This can be a contentious issue, as there are some instances where one parent will try to keep the other away from the kids. They may not agree to joint custody for a variety of reasons.
However, the courts generally lean toward joint custody, unless there is reason not to. There are also many judges that favor the mother in child custody cases, even though many men are great fathers.
Want the best results for your child custody case? Contact the law firm of Beal | Crutcher today. Our Franklin child custody attorneys will give you the guidance you need so you can get the best results possible.
Types of Child Custody
There are several main types of child custody:
- Joint. This is when both parents share custody of the child. This is the preferred option in most divorce cases.
- Sole. This is when one parent has full 100% custody of the child. The other parent has no custody rights. Because children tend to benefit more when both parents are involved in their lives, sole custody is only approved in certain situations, such as when there is abuse or neglect involved, the parent abuses substances, or the parent is incarcerated.
- Legal. Legal custody gives the parent the ability to make decisions about the child’s medical care, education, and religion.
- Physical. Physical custody refers to where the child lives. Are they staying at one parent’s house or both?
What is Considered in a Child Custody Case?
In a child custody case, the courts will look at the best interests of the child. This includes the following factors:
- The parent’s emotional, physical, and financial ability to care for their child’s needs
- Stability. The court does not look favorably on frequent moves with a child.
- Any history of neglect, abuse, or substance abuse
- The physical and mental health of all involved
- Who the child will live with in either home (parent’s romantic interests, roommates or others who are not family)
- The parent’s ability to help the child foster a relationship with the other parent
- Unhealthy environments and bad influences (in the household, neighborhood, or school)
- The child’s wishes (if they are old enough)
Before a divorce with children can be granted, though, Tennessee courts require the parents to complete a mandatory parenting class. This is to help parents and children better deal with the trauma of divorce. Both parents must take the class unless the court grants a waiver. The course can be taken online.
Contact Us Today
Child custody can be a contentious issue in a divorce. Make sure to keep the best interests of your child in mind as you navigate through the divorce process.
Seek legal help from the law firm of Beal | Crutcher. We can assist you with child custody and other aspects of your divorce. To schedule a consultation, call our office at (615) 861-2304.
