Tennessee Family Law
Family law is a large section of our legal system. Every state follows federal law, but each state may have different local laws. State laws are only in effect within their particular state. So what about Tennessee Family Law? Here are three common occurrences by Tennessee state laws.
CHILD SUPPORT
Every child has the legal right to be supported by their parents, regardless of their situation. Tennessee law calculates the income of both parents and the time spent with the child(ren). Child support supports basic child expenses like food, clothing, housing, transportation, health insurance, unique education needs, health expenses, and other extra-curricular activities. Parents have the legal duty to support their children until they turn 18 or legally emancipate themselves. Child support commonly occurs during divorce and is best dealt with through the aid of a lawyer. Your lawyer will know the ins and outs of the law and how to best help your situation and child(ren).
CHILD CUSTODY
The topic of child custody can come from various situations, including divorce or separation. In addition, it depends on the state of the couple’s relationship. In Tennessee, if married couples file for divorce and children are involved, they must attend a mandatory parenting class. The couple then comes up with a parenting plan that the court either approves or denies. A petition to establish parentage must be filed first if the parents are unmarried. Secondly, a settlement is drafted regarding child custody and child support. If parents cannot agree, married or not, the case will go to trial. Both parents should work with a lawyer during this process, especially if the case goes to trial.
MARRIAGE
On a happier note, the state of Tennessee takes marriage seriously. The engaged couple must register and obtain a marriage license from the local county clerk’s office before the wedding day. The office requires a form of ID, like your license or birth certificate, and proof of social security if possible. The couple can expect to pay $100 for their marriage license unless they complete a course. If the couple completes a premarital course within a year of marriage, they can save $60 off their license. Having an attorney present is brilliant if the couple decides to create a pre-nuptial document. In the unfortunate case of divorce, the attorney can review the document with each person to ensure they understand what it means and entails.
There are several penalties for failing to follow proper marriage application rules. The use of false documents, fraudulently signing documents, or refusing marriage licenses without complying with the law are all considered misdemeanors.
To learn more about Tennessee family law, contact The Slaughter Law Firm. At Slaughter law, we have over 21 years of legal experience and can assist in any legal matter. Our attorney focuses on his client’s objectives, which essentially guide his philosophy to s successful attorney and client relationship. To contact Frankie Slaughter Jr. visit us online or call (423) 844-0560 today!
