Family Law

Contending with a family law issue can be an arduous and emotionally exhausting experience. Whether you are contemplating ending your marriage, or you wish to modify an existing custody or support order, for example, it is essential to engage a skilled attorney to assist you in seeking your desired result. The Savannah family law lawyers at Hagenbrok & Hagenbrok PLLC are mindful of the sensitive nature of these disputes and will work diligently to help you protect your rights. Our attorneys are admitted to practice law in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi, and we regularly assist people in family law matters in Savannah, Crump, Adamsville, Milledgeville, Saltillo, Olivet, Walnut Grove, Shiloh, and other areas of Hardin County. We are aware that people dealing with a family law dispute may be subject to financial constraints, and we offer reasonable fees for our services.

While many marriages end in divorce, this process can be emotionally and financially challenging for both spouses. Under Tennessee law, a person seeking a divorce must be a resident of the state, or if the grounds for seeking the divorce happened outside the state, either party must have lived in the state for a minimum of six months before the divorce complaint was filed. There are numerous grounds under which a party can seek a divorce, including irreconcilable differences, a separation of at least two years, adultery, willful desertion for a year or more, and abandonment.

Tennessee is an equitable distribution state, which means that during a divorce, any marital property will be divided in a manner that the court deems fair and just. A family law attorney in Savannah can help you pursue an appropriate division. Any property acquired by either spouse during the marriage is considered marital property. In weighing what constitutes an equitable distribution, the court will evaluate several factors, including the duration of the marriage, the age, health, and earning potential of each spouse, and the contributions of each spouse to the marriage.

In many divorce cases, the court will be asked to make a child custody determination as well. Under Tennessee law, courts are permitted to grant either or both parents custody of a child. The foremost consideration in any child custody action, however, is what is in the best interest of the child. In evaluating which arrangement would be most beneficial to a child, the court will consider the child’s preference (if he or she is of a suitable age), the stability of the child’s current living situation, and the ability of each parent to care for the child and to meet the child’s needs. The court will also consider the mental and physical health of the parents and the child, in addition to each parent’s willingness to foster the child’s relationship with his or her other parent. Our Savannah family law attorneys can explain how these factors may apply in your case.

If the court awards one parent custody of a child, it may grant the other parent visitation rights if it finds that visitation will enable the child and the non-custodial parent to maintain their relationship. In granting visitation, the court will set forth an order in which it designates where the child will reside on given days throughout the year, including holidays, vacations, and other notable occasions. Child custody determinations can drastically affect a person's ability to exercise his or her parental rights. If you are involved in a child custody dispute, it is important to retain an assertive attorney who will fight to help you protect your relationship with your child.

If you are faced with a family law matter, such as the end of your marriage or an action for custody or support, you should understand your options and your rights. The trusted family law attorneys at Hagenbrok & Hagenbrok PLLC can explore the facts of your case and gather the evidence needed to make effective arguments in support of your position. You can reach us at (731) 438-8071 or through the online form to discuss your needs with a family law lawyer in the Savannah area.