Reducing Life Stress, Drama, and Trauma Through Family Law
Parents want what’s best for their kids, and minimizing the impact a divorce has on them tends to be at the forefront of both parents’ minds. Spouses don’t always agree on child custody arrangements, though. When two parties can’t see eye-to-eye on what the best life for their child is, legal help is necessary.
At the Law Office of Sam Byrd in Chattanooga, Tennessee, we work to protect the rights of our clients while ensuring the parent-child bond remains intact. We work toward developing a parenting plan tailored to each family’s unique needs and circumstances.
“What’s best for kids is two healthy, capable, engaged parents.”
In most cases, child custody, time-sharing, and parenting plans are decided by an agreement between the parents. That’s right. The majority of separating couples do not leave such important decisions up to a stranger in a black robe in an unfamiliar courtroom.
Some of these people are able to reach agreements on their own early. Many more are able to reach agreements with the guidance of lawyer-led negotiations and never see the inside of the courtroom. A smaller percentage gets a small taste of how bitter the court process can be and realize the benefits of learning to work together rather than working against each other is what is best for everyone. And finally, a small percentage of cases require some court intervention due to a history of domestic abuse, untreated mental health issues, and/or substance abuse.
When a Tennessee court must make decisions about child custody, the court orders are based on the child’s best interests and how to achieve them.
A judge will consider several factors in each child custody case, including:
Child custody orders make an important distinction between physical custody and legal custody of the child.
Physical custody refers to where and with whom the child will primarily reside and how much time the child will be under the care of each parent. The law has replaced the term “custody” with “parenting time” and “time-sharing arrangement.”
Any schedule where both parents enjoy time with the child is referred to as joint custody, otherwise known as “joint parenting time.” The term for the parent with whom the child spends the majority of the time, even if for only a day, is known as the “primary parent” and the other as the “alternate parent.” Parents who share exactly equal time are known as “joint primary parents.”
Legal custody, on the other hand, involves maintaining the parents’ legal rights when making significant decisions. Tennessee law separates the living arrangements of the child from the decision-making for the child. These decisions often involve the child’s health care, education, and religious matters. Parents can share legal custody of decision-making, referred to as joint custody, or it may be allocated to one parent only (sole custody).
We encourage our clients to work out a parenting plan with the other parent through mediation whenever possible instead of turning these crucial decisions over to a family court judge.
When you agree to a plan that the court will approve, both parents can keep control over the structure of their children’s lives post-divorce. Of course, if a parenting plan cannot be agreed to, we are always prepared to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf in court.
Sometimes, it’s in the child’s best interest to be under the sole care and decision-making of only one parent. These situations typically occur because one parent poses a risk of harm or danger to the child and cannot be trusted to make proper decisions.
Some common situations include:
Maybe not, but believe us, you’d much rather hire a good lawyer and feel like you didn’t really need the help than not hire a lawyer and wish you had! Besides, we almost always hear afterward that our clients are glad to have a lawyer’s help negotiating their child custody and parenting time agreement.
When deciding whether to hire a lawyer, we think it is important to remember that the lawyer you hire can be part of the solution or can be part of the problem. Some lawyers actually create more conflict and problems in a situation that might have otherwise been resolved amicably. Look for a lawyer that creates solutions, not more problems. Guidance from a lawyer who keeps an eye on the long-term best interest of your child, and the child’s future family dynamic, will give you confidence that you are making the best decisions for your future.
Any lawyer can tell you about the law and argue for what you want. But we believe that is the absolute minimum requirement to be a good family lawyer. A good family lawyer should also be a skilled and experienced negotiator. They should counsel you toward cooperation over combat. A divorce is as close to combat as many people will ever get and a battlefield is no place for children.
Choose a lawyer willing to engage in peace talks and diplomacy before firing shots.
In fact, we believe a really great family lawyer should also help you to reduce and manage conflict by helping you create a framework for how to make the best decisions for your children both now, in the current conflict, and for all the future conflicts that will inevitably come.
We help you make rational decisions in an irrational time.
A divorce ends an intimate relationship between adults. A divorce gives you an ex-spouse but it does not give your child an ex-parent.
A divorce does not end the parenting relationship between two people who will be tied together for life by their children. Nor does it automatically and without effort end the chronic conflict between them. For the benefit of your children, doesn’t it make more sense to resolve or otherwise manage conflict with your ex than to exacerbate it?
We strongly believe you should give yourself the advantage and peace of mind of hiring a Chattanooga child custody lawyer who will help you solve problems, not create more. We will help you outline strategies on how to minimize conflict and stay out of court. But if your situation is one that requires court intervention, have the experience to put you in the best possible position to tell your story to the judge.
Your next step is to meet with an attorney to learn what’s at stake, learn how to protect yourself, and learn how to move forward to a place of peace.
Contact the Law Office of Sam Byrd to schedule an appointment.
Our primary goal is to get you to a better life as quickly and painlessly as possible. We are skilled in the art of navigating the legal system to do just that. We know the recipe for success and will guide you toward it with communication and aggressive representation.
Our Intake Team Will Review The General Factors In Your Case So We Know How To Serve You Best
We Will Review Options and Set Goals Together To Step You Through This Difficult Time Into A Better Life
We Have Your Back And Will Negotiate, Advocate, And Litigate If We Must!
And Know We Are Here In Your Corner If And When You Ever Need Us. Your Peace Of Mind Is Our Passion!
I am so thankful I chose Sam Byrd to represent me in my divorce. From the very first meeting two years ago I knew that I had exactly who I needed to guide me through all the legal parts of my divorce. He has always been and continues to be honest, willing, and understanding of my
After reading some really positive reviews I came to Sam Byrd to help me in a custody matter. I was looking for someone I could trust to help me and my daughter through a very emotional and difficult process. I definitely found that with Sam and Brittany! I can’t express enough gratitude for all …
Mr. Byrd was recommended to me through a friend of a friend. I was very impressed with his office. Everyone I spoke with was extremely professional, courteous and my calls and emails were returned. At my first meeting with Mr. Byrd, I …
Sam and his office provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and personal attention to all details of my divorce. Sam’s attitude to the work he does, helped me to avoid emotional divorce complications and got me through it in a timely manner.
Sam Byrd was the right choice for me when I needed a defense attorney. He was available for all my questions and concerns prior to court and was committed to the best interest for my family. He took the time to get witness accounts and details which was above and beyond other …
If you’re considering moving out of Tennessee with your child and there’s no formal...
Law Office of Sam Byrd was build on the back of aggressive, proactive legal guidance for clients who are looking for a creative and innovative attorney to get them through some of the hardest times of their lives. Often riddled with fear, anxiety, and pain, Sam and his team have been able to deliver results for people and families in desperate need of something different – instant relief through aggressive and appropriate representation.
Because you are seen as a HUMAN, not a line item on an accounting report or a case number on a court docket. We believe you deserve to be served with diligence and integrity – giving you our best through your worst times to provide the best possible experience from the beginning.
