Murfreesboro Family Law Attorneys

Navigating Family Law Challenges for Tennessee Residents

Family matters require an immense amount of care, patience, and discretion, especially when legal complexities arise. At Santel | Garner, our family lawyers in Murfreesboro, TN are thorough, dedicated, and discreet. Leveraging decades of legal experience in family law, we help you navigate difficult situations, such as divorce, with greater ease. Our family law team understands that such situations can be emotionally fraught and taxing. Therefore, we strive to handle your case in a manner that makes you feel comfortable and produces favorable results for you and your loved ones.

We provide a full range of family law services, including mediation designed to help clients reach amicable agreements outside of court. Our focus is on facilitating understanding and cooperation between parties to preserve relationships while protecting our clients' rights. Whether dealing with complex property divisions or sensitive child custody arrangements, our team is adept at crafting customized strategies that reflect your unique circumstances and goals. In doing so, we are committed to achieving outcomes that support both your immediate needs and long-term interests.

Call (615) 987-0268 or contact us using our online intake form to speak with an experienced attorney about your case. All legal consultations are confidential and come with no obligation. Hablamos Español.

What Is Family Law?

Family law is a civil legal field that handles family matters and domestic relations that pertain to state, federal, and international law. At Santel | Garner, our Murfreesboro family law practice focuses primarily on Tennessee divorce and the many legal issues that come with it, such as separation, child custody, alimony, division of assets, and more.

Our legal team can assist you with family law matters such as:

• Divorce
• Child custody
• Spousal support
• Parenting plans
• Adoption
• Marriage licenses
• Mediation
• And more

We will do our best to resolve your family law issue or refer you to another reputable local firm if we cannot assist. Just give us a call to discuss your situation during a no-obligation consultation, and we will be happy to help!

Key Family Laws Impacting Tennessee Residents

Tennessee Code Title 36, known as “Domestic Relations,” governs family legal matters in the state. The statutes cover topics such as paternity, divorce, and adoption. Our legal team is well-versed in these statutes and can help you determine how they relate to your case.

For example, Tennessee law presumes that any child born to a heterosexual married couple biologically belongs to the man in the relationship. So, what happens if a couple has a child outside of marriage? An unmarried father must legally establish paternity before being granted custody of the child. This can be done through a court order, which can be entered either from an agreement between the mother and father or through a complaint to establish parentage.

When it comes to divorce, Tennessee child custody laws focus primarily on the child’s wellbeing and wishes in making decisions. The state allows for joint custody between parents as well as grandparents' visitation rights. If the parents cannot come to an agreement regarding custody, Tennessee family courts have the authority to decide who gets custody.

Recent Legislative Changes Affecting Family Law

• Contracts between adoptive parents, biological parents, and adopted children of at least 14 years of age have been made available that govern visitation, contact, and sharing information.
• When a minor child is scheduled to live with both of their divorced parents equally, the parents may agree to “a designation as joint primary residential parents or to waive the designation of a primary residential parent.”
• Also when a minor child is scheduled to reside equally with both parents, the address of either guardian may be used to determine school zoning.
• The state now requires residents to be at least 17 years of age to get married. Previously, 16-year-olds could get married with a parent’s consent.

Understanding the nuances of Tennessee family law can be complex, which is why our team is dedicated to providing guidance tailored to your specific situation. We take the time to educate our clients about their rights and the legal processes involved, empowering them to make informed decisions every step of the way. By navigating the local court systems, we leverage our familiarity with Murfreesboro family courts to facilitate smoother proceedings and strategic case management.

Navigating Murfreesboro Family Court Procedures

Understanding the local court procedures in Murfreesboro is essential for anyone involved in family law matters. The Santel | Garner team is experienced in handling cases in the Rutherford County courthouse, familiar with its procedures, and adept at guiding clients through the complexities of the system. From filing initial petitions to representing clients in hearings, we ensure every step is handled with professionalism and diligence.

Our attorneys provide comprehensive support by preparing necessary documents, advising on legal strategies, and helping manage the emotional stress of court appearances. We aim to demystify the process for our clients, allowing them to feel confident and informed throughout the proceedings. Our familiarity with the local judicial nuances allows us to anticipate challenges and advocate passionately on behalf of our clients, ensuring their voices are heard and their interests protected.

How Our Legal Team Can Support You

When you are going through a divorce or other family law conflict, it can cause an immense amount of stress and frustration, as well as a host of other emotions. We understand the toll such events can take on a person, so we take family matters seriously here at Santel | Garner. When you choose us, we will do our best to ensure that you make it through the necessary legal processes as painlessly and effectively as possible. Our team will be by your side every step of the way, and we are willing to take client calls at all hours. We are committed to being accessible and responsive to your needs.

Our support extends beyond just legal representation. We offer comprehensive guidance and practical advice to help you navigate the emotional and logistical challenges that often accompany family law cases. Our compassionate approach ensures you have a reliable advocate to turn to, providing clarity and support when you need it most. At Santel | Garner, we prioritize open communication and transparent billing practices, so you know exactly what to expect from the onset.

Don’t hesitate to get the legal help you need. Contact our family law attorney in Murfreesboro, TN, to set up your confidential consultation today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring to a Family Law Consultation?

Prior to your initial consultation, it is helpful to gather relevant documents that will assist in evaluating your case. This could include legal documents related to your situation, such as marriage certificates, custody agreements, divorce filings, or financial documents like tax returns and pay stubs. Bringing a list of questions or concerns can also help ensure you cover all the topics that are important to you. At Santel | Garner, our consultations are designed to be comprehensive and informative, preparing you for the next steps.

How Can a Family Attorney Help with Complex Divorce Cases?

Family attorneys provide invaluable assistance in navigating the intricate processes of complex divorce cases. From asset division involving significant property and financial holdings to negotiating custody arrangements, experienced attorneys like those at Santel | Garner work to protect your interests and facilitate a smoother transition through divorce. We utilize our extensive legal knowledge to negotiate settlements that consider future ramifications, aiming to position you for long-term stability and peace of mind.

What Are the Benefits of Working with a Local Family Lawyer in Murfreesboro?

Choosing a local family lawyer in Murfreesboro offers distinct advantages. Local attorneys have a deeper understanding of regional courts and can provide insights into how certain judges might view your case. Their local networks can also offer additional support resources, such as mediation services or financial advisors, tailored to your circumstances. Santel | Garner prides itself on using our local connections and knowledge to deliver personalized legal strategies aligned with our clients' best interests and community standards.