Call for your free consultation:
(931) 245-2131

Child Support

Child Support Attorney Serving Fort Campbell & Clarksville, Tennessee

Focused Representation for Child Support Matters

While ending a marriage is never easy, it can be much more challenging if there are children involved. Determining where the children should live and who should receive primary custody can be difficult and contentious. If you are involved in a child custody dispute or are seeking a modification of a court order, you need to speak to an attorney. At the Dennis Stanford Law Office, we represent families throughout Fort Campbell and Clarksville who are facing child custody and visitation matters. We provide compassionate legal counseling for individuals who are seeking to establish or modify a custody agreement. Attorney Dennis Stanford has over 25 years of experience in family law and will work tirelessly on your behalf.  If you are involved in a child custody dispute, contact our office at (931) 245-2131 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. 

What Factors Are Considered in Determining Custody?

One of the first questions parents involved in a divorce ask is who will get the kids. Each spouse may believe that they should receive primary custody. However, it is the court that will ultimately decide what is in the best interest of the child. Factors that may be considered when determining child custody:
  • The child’s relationship with each parent and whether one parent has performed “the majority of parenting responsibilities;”
  • Each parent’s past and potential for future performance of parenting responsibilities;
  • Each parent’s willingness or refusal to attend a court-ordered parent education seminar;
  • Whether the parent can provide the necessary care for the child;
  • The “emotional needs and developmental level of the child;”
  • The “moral, physical, mental, and emotional fitness of each parent” and
  • The child’s interactions with siblings and other household members.
The court may also consider several other factors, including whether there has been physical or emotional abuse, each parent’s employment schedule, and the preference of the child if they are 12 years or older.

Establishing a Parenting Plan

In child custody proceedings, each parent should file a parenting plan. The parenting plan is a formal document that details how parental rights and responsibilities will be divided between each parent. It usually includes information about who will be responsible for decision-making, visitation schedules, and support of the children. The court will generally favor parenting plans that divide responsibilities between both parents. The parenting plan will detail everything from the child’s day-to-day schedule to transportation arrangements and religious, educational, and healthcare decision-making.

What Is a Primary Residential Parent?

While parents may ultimately share custody, one parent will usually be designated the primary residential parent. The primary residential parent is the parent that the child lives with over 50% of the time. In a parenting plan, the designation of a primary residential parent does not relinquish the decision-making rights of the non-residential parent.

What Is Parenting Time?

Parenting time or visitation is the time that a child spends with a parent. It is usually designated in a parenting plan or custody arrangement. In order to modify a visitation schedule, you may need to go through mediation, arbitration, or petition the court.  It is always in your best interest to discuss your case with an attorney before filing a request for modification. Failing to comply with your parenting plan or custody arrangement could result in serious consequences.

Involved in a Child Custody Matter in Clarksville? Contact Our Office. 

If you are involved in a child custody matter in Clarksville, Fort Campbell, or the surrounding areas, contact our office at (931) 245-2131 to schedule a free consultation. All consultations are provided without obligation to retain our services. Do not wait. Call today to speak directly with a member of our legal team.

Focused Representation for Child Support Matters

While ending a marriage is never easy, it can be much more challenging if there are children involved. Determining where the children should live and who should receive primary custody can be difficult and contentious. If you are involved in a child custody dispute or are seeking a modification of a court order, you need to speak to an attorney. At the Dennis Stanford Law Office, we represent families throughout Fort Campbell and Clarksville who are facing child custody and visitation matters. We provide compassionate legal counseling for individuals who are seeking to establish or modify a custody agreement. Attorney Dennis Stanford has over 25 years of experience in family law and will work tirelessly on your behalf.  If you are involved in a child custody dispute, contact our office at (931) 245-2131 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. 

What Factors Are Considered in Determining Custody?

One of the first questions parents involved in a divorce ask is who will get the kids. Each spouse may believe that they should receive primary custody. However, it is the court that will ultimately decide what is in the best interest of the child. Factors that may be considered when determining child custody:
  • The child’s relationship with each parent and whether one parent has performed “the majority of parenting responsibilities;”
  • Each parent’s past and potential for future performance of parenting responsibilities;
  • Each parent’s willingness or refusal to attend a court-ordered parent education seminar;
  • Whether the parent can provide the necessary care for the child;
  • The “emotional needs and developmental level of the child;”
  • The “moral, physical, mental, and emotional fitness of each parent” and
  • The child’s interactions with siblings and other household members.
The court may also consider several other factors, including whether there has been physical or emotional abuse, each parent’s employment schedule, and the preference of the child if they are 12 years or older.

Establishing a Parenting Plan

In child custody proceedings, each parent should file a parenting plan. The parenting plan is a formal document that details how parental rights and responsibilities will be divided between each parent. It usually includes information about who will be responsible for decision-making, visitation schedules, and support of the children. The court will generally favor parenting plans that divide responsibilities between both parents. The parenting plan will detail everything from the child’s day-to-day schedule to transportation arrangements and religious, educational, and healthcare decision-making.

What Is a Primary Residential Parent?

While parents may ultimately share custody, one parent will usually be designated the primary residential parent. The primary residential parent is the parent that the child lives with over 50% of the time. In a parenting plan, the designation of a primary residential parent does not relinquish the decision-making rights of the non-residential parent.

What Is Parenting Time?

Parenting time or visitation is the time that a child spends with a parent. It is usually designated in a parenting plan or custody arrangement. In order to modify a visitation schedule, you may need to go through mediation, arbitration, or petition the court.  It is always in your best interest to discuss your case with an attorney before filing a request for modification. Failing to comply with your parenting plan or custody arrangement could result in serious consequences.

Involved in a Child Custody Matter in Clarksville? Contact Our Office. 

If you are involved in a child custody matter in Clarksville, Fort Campbell, or the surrounding areas, contact our office at (931) 245-2131 to schedule a free consultation. All consultations are provided without obligation to retain our services. Do not wait. Call today to speak directly with a member of our legal team.

Don’t let a mistake define your future. We can help.

If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime, don’t wait to get the legal representation you deserve. Our experienced criminal defense team is here to fight for your rights, protect your freedom, and defend your future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start building your defense strategy. With our knowledge, experience, and dedication, we can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact Us

Available Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Visit our Facebook

Location

215 S 2nd St
Clarksville, TN 37040
Visit our Facebook
uploadcross linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram