PRACTICE
AREAS
FAMILY LAW
Family law is a complex legal area that involves life-changing matters. Young, hungry, and motivated lawyers at Atlas Law Firm, can make all the difference when navigating the legal system. Atlas Law Firm provides down-to-earth, passionate, and fierce lawyers for your family law needs. You can trust Atlas Law Firm to fight for you.
Divorce
When filing for divorce in Tennessee, there are a few basic requirements to meet. First, one spouse must have been a resident of this state for at least 6 months before filing the initial complaint. Second, the filing spouse must list a "ground" or "reason" for divorce. The ground could be based on one partner's fault (fault-based divorce like adultery, substance abuse), but could be no-fault by citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Divorce can proceed and settle in many ways. A couple can discuss a settlement between themselves and their attorneys, negotiate in mediation (which is required before trial), or take the case to trial. A separation agreement and settled divorce are advantageous to go to trial because spouses can have strict authority to negotiate child custody (with court approval), property division, alimony, and child support (with court approval), rather than leaving it to the judge’s final decision.
Child Custody
One of the most important parts of divorce negotiations is child custody. Under current Tennessee law, one patron will be designated as the primary residential parent who lives with the child more than half the time, naturally making them more involved in the day-to-day routine of the child.
To determine the primary residential parent, the judge will examine what is in the child's best interest, such as :
the child's relationship with each parent:
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each parent's role in parental caretaking obligations;
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the child’s preference (if they are over the age of 12);
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the child's relationships with siblings and extended family members;
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the child's adjustment to home, school, and community;
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the importance of continuity in the child's life, including the length of time the child has lived in the current environment;
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either parent's history of domestic violence or emotional abuse;
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each parent's moral, physical, mental, and emotional fitness;
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each parent's work schedule; and
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any other relevant factor(s).
CONTACT
ATLAS LAW FIRM
OUR ADDRESS
1101 Kermit Drive, Suite 512
Nashville, TN 37217
Email: brett.bukowski@atlaslawfirmpllc.com
Tel: 615-701-8044
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Sunday Closed