The Cantrell Law Firm Resolves Divorce, Custody & Related Matters in Tennessee

Ending a marriage can be emotionally difficult, financially tangled and legally complex. The Cantrell Law Firm provides advice, perspective, and support for the many important decisions. Work with an Clinton family law attorney who will guide you to practical solutions while protecting your interests in or out of court.

 

Compassionate Counsel & Strong Representation in Family Law

Our goal is to resolve divorce or child custody disputes as efficiently as possible so that you can move forward with your life. We do not try to fan the flames or prolong conflicts to generate legal fees. However, we will vigorously assert your rights and "fight fire with fire" when contested proceedings are necessary.

 

Learn more about different types of family law:

 

 • Divorce; contested or agreed — We work to ensure a fair and practical division of marital assets and debts under the property laws of Tennessee.

 • Custody and visitation — We help clients maximize visitation time or work out the details of a parenting plan, and we handle post-divorce modifications or relocation.

 • Child support — We ensure that the court has accurate information for fair and appropriate support, and we can revisit child support when circumstances change.

 • Adoption — We handle stepparent adoptions and termination of rights, as well as the details of private placements and foreign adoptions.

 • Paternity and legitimization

 • Prenuptial agreements

 • Name changes

 

We can also assist clients with updating wills and estate planning after a divorce to protect assets and children's inheritance.

 

Does Tennessee Allow for Legal Separation?

 

According to the 36-4-102 - Legal separation section highlighted in Title 36 - Domestic Relations, Chapter 4 - Divorce and Annulment, an individual may file a complaint for legal separation as an alternative to filing a complaint for divorce. The other party of a marriage can deny the existence of the grounds for divorce, but unless they specifically object to the court's granting of an order of legal separation, the court shall declare legal separation.

 

In the event the other party does object to legal separation, the court requires that both parties go through a hearing and they will grant the order if grounds are established pursuant to § 36-4-101. Additionally, the court also has the right to grant an absolute divorce to either party when there has been an order of legal separation for more than two years.

 

Although a couple is not legally required to cohabitate after a legal separation is granted, they must agree upon the matters of child custody, visitation, and property issues before the case is closed.