Child Custody

Gibson Perryman assists clients navigating the difficult and taxing emotional turmoil inherent to proceedings involving children. Our attorneys work closely with our clients to protect and secure the best interests of their children.

Memphis Child Custody Attorney

The attorneys at Gibson Perryman are well-versed in all matters pertaining to child custody/visitation, dependency/neglect, child support, grandparents’ visitation rights, and more.

Tennessee child custody laws are designed to maximize each parent’s involvement in the minor children’s lives, while simultaneously protecting the children’s best interests. When courts are making determinations regarding custody and visitation, numerous factors play into the decision-making process regarding parenting arrangements for children. It is more than just a schedule. Such decisions include which parent has the right to make major decisions affecting the children’s futures, or what rights a parent has in the event of a relocation. Having an experienced child custody lawyer in Memphis, TN is invaluable in securing your rights and protecting your children.

Gibson Perryman works through the Chancery, Circuit, and Juvenile courts throughout Tennessee on all issues related to protecting the best interests of children. The versatility of the attorneys at Gibson Perryman allows your legal team to navigate the various nuances and particularities of each environment, including the Local Rules of Practice, to better serve our clients and their interests.

Child Support

Child support issues might seem relatively straight forward but often times involve much more complex legal issues than parents realize. Keeping track of all the credits and calculations involved can quickly become tiresome for an individual that lacks the proper legal training. Fortunately, the attorneys at Gibson Perryman possess the knowledge and experience necessary to guide clients through the processes of:

Establishing an initial child support order to ensure that a parent is not paying too little or too much;
Calculating back child support arrears;
Ensuring the proper credits are given for other children;
Ensuring that any children with special needs are properly looked after and provided for;
Modifying child support because of a change in circumstances; and
Enforcing child support orders when an obligor parent is not paying.

It is critical that any parent facing child support issues hire a professional versed not only in the Tennessee statutory code related to child support but in the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines and any applicable case law. Gibson Perryman is dedicated to not just protecting their client’s interest, but educating the client along the way so that they understand the sometimes confusing legal decisions that have significant effects on their lives.

Child Custody Lawyer Collierville, TN

If you find yourself dealing with child custody in Collierville having an experienced child custody lawyer is necessary for securing your rights and protecting your children. We are woven into the tapestry of Collierville life, constantly engaging, listening, and responding to the ever-evolving needs of our city. Our dedication to justice is matched only by our dedication to the people we serve. Every child custody case we take, every individual we represent, contributes to the fabric of our shared pursuit—a more just, more equitable, and more inclusive Collierville.

Who Receives Custody?

child custody lawyer memphis tn

The best interest of the child (or children) always comes first when determining who gets child custody. The criteria for child custody are set out in a statute TCA 36-6-106, a copy of which is in the Custody Appendix. They will include the following matters:

Love, affection, and emotional ties existing between parents and child
Ability of parents to provide child with food, clothing, medical care, education, and other necessary care
Degree to which a parent has been primary caregiver
Importance of continuity in child’s life and length of time child has lived in a stable environment
Stability of family unit of parents
Mental and physical health of parents
Home, school, and community record of child
Reasonable preference of child if he or she is twelve (12) years of age or older
Evidence of physical or emotional abuse to child, parent, or to any other person
Character and behavior of any other person who resides in or frequents home of a parent and that person’s interactions with child
Each parent’s past and potential for future performance of parenting responsibilities

Gibson Perryman stands as a reliable child custody lawyer in Collierville, TN, as we are ready to best serve you and your child. As a leading law firm in Collierville, TN, our dedication echoes the enduring spirit of a nation that cherishes its citizens’ freedoms and strives to ensure justice, equality, and the flourishing of all. Contact us today to get in touch.

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Child Custody FAQs

How is child custody determined in family law cases?

In family law cases, child custody is determined with the child’s best interests as the primary focus. A child custody attorney can guide parents through this process, helping to address legal and practical considerations such as the child’s living arrangements, visitation schedules, and decision-making authority.

Courts consider factors like the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s needs, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable environment. An experienced attorney ensures that your rights are protected and helps you present a strong case for custody that serves both you and your child.

What factors influence child support amounts?

Several factors influence child support amounts in family law cases. A child support lawyer can help parents understand how these factors are applied. Courts typically consider each parent’s income, the child’s needs, healthcare and education expenses, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child.

Additional considerations may include special needs, daycare costs, and the standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the parents were together. Consulting a lawyer ensures that child support calculations are fair and comply with Tennessee law, while protecting both the child’s and parents’ rights.

Can grandparents seek visitation rights in family court?

Yes, grandparents can seek visitation rights in family court under certain circumstances. A custody attorney can help grandparents navigate the legal process and present a strong case. Courts generally consider the best interests of the child, the relationship between the grandparents and the child, and any existing parental objections.

Grandparents may be granted visitation if it benefits the child’s emotional and developmental well-being. Consulting an attorney ensures that all legal requirements are met and helps maximize the chances of a favorable outcome.

What are the legal options for modifying custody or support orders?

If you need to change a custody or support order, a child custody attorney or experienced family law attorney can guide you through your legal options. Modifications are possible when there is a significant change in circumstances, such as relocation, changes in income, or shifts in the child’s needs.

A skilled child support lawyer can help assess the financial aspects of your case, while a knowledgeable family attorney can assist in filing a petition with the family court, gathering supporting evidence, and representing your interests during hearings to ensure that any adjustments serve the best interests of the child.

How can parents modify an existing child custody arrangement in Memphis?

In Memphis, parents seeking to modify an existing child custody arrangement should consult a qualified family law attorney. A family law attorney can help evaluate whether there has been a substantial change in circumstances that justifies modifying the custody order.

We can also guide parents through filing the proper motions, negotiating with the other parent, and presenting evidence in court to support the requested changes. If financial considerations such as child support are involved, a child support lawyer can provide guidance to ensure any adjustments serve both the child’s best interests and your legal rights.

What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody under Memphis law?

Under Memphis law, legal custody and physical custody are two distinct aspects of a child custody arrangement. Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious instruction.

Physical custody, on the other hand, determines where the child will live and which parent will provide day-to-day care. Consulting a knowledgeable family law attorney or family attorney in Memphis can help parents understand these distinctions and ensure that custody agreements protect the best interests of the child while clarifying each parent’s rights and responsibilities.

How do Memphis courts determine the best interests of the child in custody cases?

In Memphis, courts determine the best interests of the child by evaluating factors such as the child’s emotional and physical needs, the parents’ ability to provide care, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the stability of the home environment.

A family law attorney or family attorney can help parents present evidence and arguments that demonstrate their ability to meet these needs, ensuring the court considers all relevant aspects when making a custody determination.

Can parents in different states share custody under Memphis law?

In Memphis, parents who live in different states can share custody of their children, but doing so often requires navigating both Tennessee law and the laws of the other parent’s state. A family law attorney can help parents understand how interstate custody arrangements work, including compliance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).

A family attorney can guide parents through filing the necessary motions, establishing jurisdiction, and creating a custody schedule that accommodates both households while protecting the child’s best interests. Working with an experienced attorney ensures that custody arrangements are legally enforceable across state lines.