When school starts back up, custody schedules often need a fresh look. Summer routines, vacation time, and flexible schedules can work well when school is out, but once classes begin, parents usually need to adjust pickup times, transportation plans, and extracurricular routines.
View PostA child support order is based on the financial information available when the court entered the order, but life does not always stay the same. A parent may lose a job, change careers, take on new expenses, or earn significantly more than before. When that happens, the old child support amount may no longer reflect current reality. In Wilson County, Tennessee, a parent may be able to ask the court to modify support if there has been a substantial change in circumstances.
View PostWhen one parent wants to move out of state with a child, the change can affect custody, parenting time, school routines, and the other parent’s ability to stay involved. In Tennessee, relocation cases are taken seriously, and the parent planning to move usually must give written notice before relocating. Tennessee law generally requires notice if the move is out of state or far enough away to disrupt the other parent’s time with the child.
View PostDeciding to pursue adoption is a significant step for many families in Tennessee. Adoption can create lasting legal relationships, expand a household, and provide stability for a child, but it also comes with emotional, practical, and financial considerations. Before beginning the process, it helps to think through several key areas so that the decision is informed, deliberate, and aligned with your family’s long‑term well‑being.
View PostChild support is one of the most common and emotionally charged issues in Tennessee family law. For many parents in Wilson County and surrounding areas, understanding how the state calculates child support, what counts as “income,” and how changes can be made later can help reduce uncertainty and conflict. This overview explains, in general terms, how child support works in Tennessee without giving legal advice for any specific situation.
View PostFor many families in Tennessee, adoption is a meaningful way to grow their household and build new legal relationships with a child. Adoption is not a one‑size‑fits‑all process; there are several common paths that families use, each with its own focus and structure. Understanding the general types of adoption can help people in Middle Tennessee decide which route might align best with their goals and situation, even if they are only beginning to explore the idea.
View PostFamily conflicts over divorce, custody, parenting time, or financial issues can feel overwhelming and emotionally charged. In Tennessee, many families choose family mediation as a way to work through disagreements with the help of a neutral third party rather than going straight to court. A family mediator does not make decisions for the family; instead, the mediator helps parents and other involved parties communicate, clarify what they need, and try to reach practical, mutually acceptable agreements.
View PostIn Tennessee, a parenting plan is a court‑approved schedule that sets out custody, visitation, and decision‑making responsibilities for both parents after separation or divorce. When one parent repeatedly ignores or undermines that plan, it can create confusion, conflict, and stress for the children and the other parent. Understanding what typically happens when a parenting plan is violated can help families see both the practical and legal consequences and decide how to respond.
View PostSpousal support, often called alimony, remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of divorce in Tennessee. Many people enter negotiations or court proceedings with assumptions about how it works, who qualifies, and how long it lasts. Clearing up these misconceptions can provide clearer expectations for those navigating the end of a marriage.
View PostHigh-conflict custody disputes tear families apart, often revealing deeper mental health struggles that courts must navigate carefully. At Hagar & Phillips Law Firm in Lebanon, Tennessee, we guide Middle Tennessee parents through these emotionally charged cases where accusations of instability, alienation, or personality disorders dominate proceedings.
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