Clarksville Family Lawyer
Clarksville Family Attorney
When facing any kind of divorce or family law matter, one of the most important decisions you can make involves your choice of legal team. It is critical to work with divorce and child support lawyers in Clarksville with the experience and commitment to protect your interests in whatever family law matter you are dealing with. Finding the right Clarksville family lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your family law case.
At Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC (MBK), we represent clients throughout Tennessee and Kentucky, and we proudly represent service members and officers in family law matters throughout the United States and overseas.
From our home office in Clarksville, our divorce lawyers and child support attorneys provide legal separation solutions and share a strong commitment to client service during every family law case. We will help you understand your rights and options and remain available to you through every step of your case.
Our firm has more than 50 collective years of legal experience, including decades of work in family law cases. We know how important these cases are for your future, and we help you protect your interests.
We take a tech-savvy, progressive approach to family law representation, backed by experience. Recently, over the last couple years, Jacob Mathis has filed more divorces in Montgomery County than any other lawyer in the area, including hundreds of contested divorces and custody matters. Our divorce attorneys in Clarksville can help you understand your rights, and we protect your interests.
Divorce And Related Issues
Divorce cases often include multiple aspects of family law, such as dividing assets and debts, awarding alimony, and determining child custody and child support. Each of these areas of family law requires compassionate and delicate legal care. Emotions can often be strong during these cases, as they impact your family’s entire future. You need the right legal support on your side.
Our Clarksville divorce lawyers and child support attorneys help all couples and same-sex couples in all types of issues related to divorce, legal separation and other family law matters. We can help you create a parenting plan that will work for you and your ex, while protecting the best interests of your children.
We also help clients through the complex legal landscape of adoptions. We represent military service members and officers in nearby Fort Campbell, throughout the country and overseas in divorce matters involving members of the armed forces.
Restraining Orders And Orders Of Protection
Domestic violence is one of the most complex and emotionally charged aspects of family law. Attorneys from our firm take a focused but compassionate approach to representing clients in matters involving orders of protection and restraining orders.
Parental Relocation
We also represent clients in legal issues that arise after divorces are finalized. It is common for one parent to want to move away after a divorce, and parental relocation is a common need when a parent is a military member. When a divorced parent wants to move away , with or without the child, the court may need to approve the relocation to make sure it is in the best interests of the child.
What Our Clients Say
Divorce/Custody
Jacob Mathis handled a divorce/child custody case for a family member approximately two years ago. He was always professional, responsive, and compassionate. One of the divorcing parties was especially difficult and Mr. Mathis was very helpful in dealing with this individual. Our outcome was favorable, and we would definitely use Mr. Mathis again!
– Debbie
Assisting Clients With Criminal Contempt Issues
Criminal contempt is the willful failure to abide by a court order when one has the ability to do so. A few examples of orders that would warrant a filing for contempt either during or after a divorce are parenting plans, child support payments, alimony or retirement obligations, conveyances of real property or return of person property.
Our Clarksville criminal contempt defense attorney services want to help provide these solutions for you. There are two types of contempt that can be sought in a Petition for Contempt.
Civil contempt is when the Petitioner is requesting the Court order the other parent or former spouse to comply with the previous order of the court. Punishments for a finding of civil contempt are usually conditional and can be delayed or avoided by compliance with the court order. Fines and attorney fees can be ordered in an attempt to pressure the violator or reimburse the injured party.
Clarksville Criminal contempt is used to punish the party violating the court order. The punishment is usually limited to 10 days in jail per violation. The Court may order immediate imprisonment when a guilty verdict is rendered or issue a stay of the sentence and set a later review. A stay allows the violator an opportunity to comply with the Court’s order and avoid serving jail time. There is no statutory basis for awarding attorney fees to the injured party when criminal contempt is found.
FAQs
How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Tennessee?
How much a family lawyer costs in Tennessee differs based on several factors. The type of service you need is one factor that influences the cost, as some services may be charged as a flat fee rather than hourly. However, most family law cases are ongoing and, therefore, charged hourly. The hourly cost is influenced by:
- The attorney’s experience and success in these cases
- Your case’s complexity
- Whether the case is expected to enter litigation
Is Tennessee a 50/50 Custody State?
Tennessee does not have a presumption that 50/50 custody is preferred; however, it does assume that maximizing the participation of both parents in a child’s life is in the child’s interests. In some cases, this means that 50/50 custody is preferred, although a family’s unique situation and practical concerns may impact this preference. The child’s interests, which may be influenced by several factors, are the primary factor when deciding custody.
Who Pays Attorney Fees in Child Custody Cases in Tennessee?
Typically, each parent pays their own attorney fees in child custody cases in Tennessee. In some cases, the court will award reasonable legal fees to one parent if they cannot afford legal support and the other parent has the financial ability to pay. However, this is rare. If a party in a custody case knowingly alleges false sexual abuse allegations, they can be held in contempt of court and be made to pay all reasonable attorney and court costs.
What Is the Waiting Period for Divorce in Tennessee?
The waiting period for divorce in Tennessee is 60 or 90 days. The waiting period is 60 days from the day the petition or complaint was filed when couples have no children who are unmarried and under the age of 18. The petition or complaint must have been filed for 90 days before it can be finalized when the couple does have unmarried children under the age of 18. Although these waiting periods are mandatory minimums, divorces often take much longer.
Contact MBK Family Law Attorney For Legal Help
We can help you with contempt petitions, divorce, separation, or any family law matter you are facing. Whether you and your spouse or co-parent are working together amicably or need to go to court to settle your case, an attorney is imperative to protecting your rights and your family’s interests. Call us at 961-919-5060 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an MBK attorney.
