Child Custody, Modifications, and the Bergeron Standard

Once there is a final judgment in a child custody case, modifications or changes are challenging. A consent decree in child custody means that both parties agree to the custody arrangement without needing a trial. A considered decree is put in place by the Judge. Changes to either decree are burdensome. The rules are different…

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What Are My Options When My Ex Won’t Follow the Parenting Plan?

Child custody battles can become contentious, particularly when one of the parties is unwilling to compromise. Things generally get even more complicated when parent refuses to comply with the court-approved Tennessee parenting plan. What options does the other parent have? Divorcing parents in Tennessee must attend a four-hour parenting class and file a parenting plan…

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I Think My Ex Is Hurting My Kids. What Can I Do?

If you’re separated, you may have shared custody of your children or visitation rights. It’s difficult to share your children in the first place, but immeasurably so when you believe that your ex is treating your children poorly, perhaps even abusing them. This can be terrifying, and you may feel alone, but you have several…

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Losing Custody of a Child: What to Know about the Risks

Facing a courtroom battle over who gets your children is a nerve-wracking experience on its own but when that possibility actually comes to fruition, it’s very common to go through a something akin to a mourning period. Judges don’t look forward to removing children from care under one parent’s roof and placing them elsewhere, especially…

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Can a Child Ever Choose Which Parent to Live With?

In all child custody cases, the Tennessee family court system aims to do what is best for the children. When children are young, they typically have little or no say as to legal and physical custody decisions. Older children do have the right to voice their opinion. Courts generally listen to older children because they…

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