Custody / Parenting Plans
Davidson County Custody Lawyer

It is the responsibility of the court to see that child custody agreements are in the best interests of the children.

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely protect a child from upheaval during divorce. However, the State of Tennessee makes it clear that all adults involved are responsible for working out an arrangement that is least disruptive for the child, both in terms of preserving child-parent bonds and day-to-day issues. If you have questions about child custody, Davidson County lawyer Penny Harrington will be happy to arrange a consultation with you. Please contact Harrington Law Office in Nashville to make arrangements.

In a Tennessee Parenting Plan, the parents may create a child custody agreement stating that they have joint physical custody (which is unusual) or that one parent will be given sole physical custody and the other parent will have visitation rights. Attorney Penny Harrington has successfully helped families work out creative plans so that after the divorce the time spent with parents, now separately, as opposed to day-care providers, is even greater than before.

Often legal custody, the right to make major decisions regarding health care, religion, and education, is shared, but one parent may be granted sole custody.

If children are involved in a divorce and no Parenting Plan has been agreed on, Rule 31 Mediation is required by law.

In some cases a skilled and neutral mediator is able to help parents come to a residence schedule / custody agreement even if they could not do so earlier. The court requires the process if parents have not been able to work out a Parenting Plan as part of a Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA). Ms. Harrington is a Certified Rule 31 Family Law Mediator, and serves as a neutral mediator or as counsel to a client involved in the process.

Both the custodial parent and the non-custodial parent need to carefully consider the effect on the child if a parent moves out of the area.

If either parent plans on relocating out of the area, it is necessary to get the court’s approval. Any change that places a strain on the parent-child bond should be considered very carefully. If you are, or you suspect your ex-spouse is, considering relocating, contact a child custody lawyer for advice before making firm plans.

Davidson County custody lawyer Penny Harrington helps clients focus on the best interests of children involved in divorce. In addition to her role as a Nashville family law attorney, she has served the people of Tennessee as a General Sessions Judge and a member of numerous civic and professional organizations. The firm’s office is conveniently located in the West End of Nashville and serves clients in communities including Franklin, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Mount Juliet, and Dickson. Free parking is available, and the firm accepts credit cards for payment.