Child Custody and Visitation

Your children's safety and proximity are paramount, necessitating an experienced child custody lawyer. Attorney Angela C. Larkins considers every aspect of your child's custody case, including their home environment, relationship with each parent, and their wishes if they are old enough to express them. The court can grant two types of custody to parents:

• Physical Custody: Determines where the child will primarily reside and outlines visitation arrangements with the alternate resident parent.
• Legal Custody: Grants the authority to make significant decisions regarding healthcare, religious upbringing, extracurricular activities, and more.

Whether you're advocating for more time with your child or seeking sole custody, Attorney Larkins and our legal team will support you throughout the process, ensuring fair custody and visitation rights.

How is Child Support Established in the State of Tennessee?

Child support is typically established before your divorce is finalized, either through attorney mediation or a court decree. Both parties complete a financial worksheet to determine gross income. For uncertain income situations, such as seasonal or commission-based earnings, the court may impute income based on earning capacity. Child support payments are then calculated based on several factors, including:

• Allocation of parenting time between the primary and alternate parent, with adjustments for the number of days spent with the alternate parent
• Responsibility for daycare, healthcare, and medical insurance expenses
• Existing support orders and other children in the family

Attorney Larkins will guide you through the mediation process, ensuring an accurate income evaluation and keeping you informed every step of the way. We aim to secure fair child support arrangements that meet your family's needs.

Child Support Modifications

Even after your divorce is finalized, Attorney Larkins can assist you with modifying your child support order. According to Tennessee law, if your circumstances have changed by at least 15%, you may be eligible for modification. This can include changes in income, expenses, or financial responsibilities for additional children. Consult with Attorney Larkins to determine the best steps for modifying your child support order.

Child Support Enforcement Actions

If your ex-spouse has stopped paying child support or if you are unable to meet your payment obligations, it's crucial to act promptly. Failure to pay child support in Tennessee can result in severe consequences, such as revoking your driver's license. Attorney Larkins can provide necessary legal support if you need to enforce child support payments or negotiate a manageable payment plan. We can pursue an order of contempt for non-payment or defend you if you struggle to meet your obligations.