Knoxville Child Custody & DCS Lawyer
Whether you're dealing with a dispute with the other parent of your child or facing a challenging situation with the Department of Children Services, you need a skilled, experienced attorney to fight for your interests.
At Burks & Ogle, our child custody attorneys in Tennessee will thoroughly review your case, listen to your concerns and preferences, and outline the best course of action for you. We know you have your child's best interests at heart. To that end, we will make every effort to attain the child custody arrangement best for you and your child. Contact us online or at 865-522-4964 to schedule a Consultation.
What is Child Custody in Tennessee?
When two parents are no longer together, one of the most important matters to be decided is who will have custody of their child. In most states, there are two different types of custody that the court must consider: legal custody and physical custody.
Legal Custody
Legal custody is not related to whom the child lives with. Instead, the parent with legal custody has the legal right to make important life decisions for the child. For example, a parent with legal custody will decide where the child attends school and the type of healthcare they will receive. It is possible in some states for the parents to share legal custody.
Physical Custody
Physical custody concerns where the child resides. It may be awarded solely to one parent, or it may be shared jointly between parents. Parents with joint custody will have a plan set in place that determines who has the child when.
When determining who to award child custody to, a court will consider what is in the best interest of the child. Some of the factors the court will look at are:
- Who can provide a safe environment for the child
- Any evidence of abuse
- The child's relationship with each parent
If a matter affects the child, the court will likely consider it when awarding custody.
Parenting Plans and Child Custody in Tennessee?
Once child custody has been determined, unless one parent has sole custody, most jurisdictions request the parties enter into a parenting plan. A parenting plan lays out what is expected of each parent to provide the child with the physical and mental stability they need to prosper. It can address everything from where a child lives, to the religion they will be exposed to. A parent plan differs from a parent order in that a parent order is enforceable by the court. The parent plan is an agreement the parties reach together, often with the help of mediation.
We Fight the Department of Children Services (DCS) for You
It only takes one complaint, true or false, for DCS to show up at your doorstep. When they do, most people don't understand that their every word and action is being examined by an individual looking to corroborate the complaint already filed. DO NOT GO THROUGH THIS PROCESS ALONE. You need to contact a skilled member of our legal team to guide you through this process so that you have someone in your corner looking out for your rights!
Dependency & Neglect and Severe Abuse Allegations
When a court reviews a case and determines that a child is suffering from dependency & neglect or severe abuse, it is likely it will award custody to another party, and the court may restrict a parent's access to the child while the child remains in the custody of the State or in foster care. These allegations are very serious and should be challenged quickly or you may risk being separated from your child for a long period of time.
When these types of allegations have been made, you need to quickly consult with an attorney and prepare to fight DCS in court. You will need a knowledgeable, skilled attorney to use the legal process to your benefit in order to regain custody more quickly. Our legal team has significant experience assisting clients in refuting false allegations, negotiating returns of custody, and helping our clients clear their names.
Contact a Child Custody Lawyer in Knoxville Today
If you are facing a child custody issue, make certain your rights are protected by hiring a lawyer with experience in child custody disagreements and dealing with DCS. Contact Burks & Ogle in Tennessee today by talking to us online or calling us directly at 865-522-4964