Child Custody Attorney in Memphis

Child custody cases can be some of the most emotional and stressful situations a family can experience. At }, we understand the importance of your children's well-being and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.

How Do Courts Determine Child Custody in Tennessee?

Whenever parties disagree on parenting arrangements, they typically go through legal custody proceedings. During this process, a judge makes a decision for the parents. 

Tennessee judges make custody decisions based on T.C.A 36-1-106. This law bases custody decisions on the following factors:

1. The stability of a parent’s family unit
2. The mental and physical health of a parent
3. The child’s record in the home, school, and community
4. What love, affection, and emotional ties exist between parent and child
5. The degree to which a parent has already acted as the child’s primary caregiver
6. A parent’s ability to provide food, clothing, medical care, education, and other necessities
7. The character and behavior of anyone else who lives with the parent or frequents the parent’s home
8. Evidence of any physical or emotional abuse in the home. Evidence of such abuse may require additional court hearings.
9. The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the parent’s ability to continue that stability
10. For a child aged 12 or older, his or her reasonable preference for the primary residential parent (PRP). Upon request, the judge may hear a younger child’s preferences as well.

Creating a Parenting Plan

All divorcing parents with minor children require a parenting plan. This form details the parenting schedule, holidays, breaks, vacations, transportation, location of exchanges, child support, medical insurance, tax exemptions, and other important details.

Parents may be able to negotiate the terms of this plan without a court’s involvement. Our firm offers mediation services that can facilitate such negotiations.

Our Approach

At Bostick Law, we know that every family is unique and requires individualized attention. We take a compassionate and strategic approach to child custody cases, working to achieve a solution that works for you and your children. Our team is experienced in handling complex custody matters, including those involving relocation, substance abuse, and domestic violence.

Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate this difficult time and achieve the best possible outcome for your family. If you are facing a child custody matter, don't hesitate to contact us to schedule a consultation at (901) 582-7153. You can also reach our team online.