Divorce and Child Custody don’t have to be issues. Often there can be resolution when you have the right legal support, resources, and tools. But, there are cases that simply will not work because there is a high-conflict person involved who drives you to need more legal protection, representation and often Family Law Litigation. Courtroom proceedings are rarely easy, and without legal representation dedicated to eliminating the drama, they are even harder – and more costly. Get protected and stay legally protected. We are ready to stand up, and fight when necessary, for what matters most to you.
Reduce the Pain and Price Of Divorce
Most divorce cases (about 90 percent) are settled in mediation by agreement, without ever having to go to trial. Settling a case by agreement gives you the power, control and flexibility to make important decisions that are best for you, your family and your unique situation. Plus, it is often far less expensive than litigation.
If you are unable to reach a fair and reasonable agreement, your case will go to trial. At trial, a judge will make those important decisions for you, based on very limited knowledge of your unique circumstances and without attention to all the little details. Therefore, We always encourage clients to settle family law cases whenever possible, but fight when they must.
We are skilled at helping negotiate positive outcomes for Tennessee families. However, if your case must go to trial, I am ready and able to protect your interests. I also handle an array of life and estate planning matters for clients, including wills, trusts and other important documents.
Communication Equals Peace of Mind
We are committed to providing clients with honest and zealous representation, along with regular communication. All telephone calls and electronic communication will be answered and returned promptly. The attorneys and staff at the Law Office of Sam Byrd know and understand that communication is important in every case. At the Law Office of Sam Byrd, I am committed to helping my family law clients resolve their issues as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible so they can carry on with their lives.
We emphasize settling as much as possible through negotiation rather than litigation because it gives you control over the outcome of your case. However, some cases can not be settled through negotiation and must be taken to trial where the Judge will make the decisions for you. I work with my clients to achieve a mutually beneficial settlement whenever possible because it saves money, reduces stress, and allows all of the parties involved, including children, to settle into their post-divorce lives as soon as possible.
Family law includes much more than divorce and child custody issues. There are many ways in which family problems can become legal problems that require the advice and counsel of an experienced attorney, including:
- Divorce
- Child custody and child support
- Spousal support
- Property division
- Modifications of existing divorce decrees
- Rights of never-married parents
- Establishing paternity
- Relocation — a parent’s right to move away with a child
- Stepparent adoptions
- Grandparents’ rights
- Guardianship
- Conservatorship
- Wills and estate planning
- Juvenile delinquency or unruly children
- Children’s rights in school disciplinary proceedings and suspensions
- Children’s rights to special education needs and testing in school
In Tennessee, mediation is a mandatory part of the process. Both parties will meet with a neutral mediator and attempt to resolve disputes or at least narrow the differences between them.
If you select me to represent you, I can attend these mediation sessions and attempt to facilitate the process while protecting your rights and advising you regarding certain agreements.
If you have been in a relationship that involved domestic violence, the mediation session can be conducted with both parties in separate rooms or the courts in Tennessee can waive the requirement to attend divorce mediation.