Family Law Meeting all your legal needs Search a topic by choosing from the dropdown above. FAMILY LAW 865-292-2307 FAMILY LAW FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS TESTIMONIALS BLOG FAQ CONTACT MAIN HOME Meeting all your legal needs Family Law Family Law Our Knoxville family law attorneys provide each client with personalized attention and take the time to understand the unique set of circumstances affecting both family and personal issues. Our case preparation is sensitive to the particular family dynamics of each client. We help our clients find long-lasting solutions to their legal problems. Our legal team always represents the best interests of our clients, as well as those of their children. In nearly every aspect of family law, we find that cooperative settlements provide the longest lasting and fairest agreements between parties. However, we will help our clients pursue litigation and court orders when necessary. Our attorneys are prepared to fight for what you are entitled to in any circumstance, including: Divorce Family Law Mediation Child Support Visitation and Parenting Plans Domestic Violence Defense Orders of Protection Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements Child Custody Rehabilitative Alimony Alimony in Futuro Transitional Alimony Alimony in Solido Property and Asset Division Debt Division Post Decree Modifications Paternity Meet The Family Law Team Call us today at 865-292-2307 to schedule an initial consultation. Contact us for more details. Our attorneys who practice family law: T. Kenan Smith Lisa J. Hall OUR FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS I am grateful… for the great support, patience and efficiency that you provided in these difficult times. -Former client Read below for more about a few of our most common family law practice areas: Divorce Whether you have reached the point in life where divorce is inevitable, or you simply want to explore your options, our compassionate divorce and family law attorneys can assist you. Divorce is challenging to all involved parties, and the stress can easily overshadow the importance of protecting your legal rights. In Tennessee, divorce requires proving grounds for dissolving the marriage, unless the parties are able to agree on all issues and enter a divorce based on irreconcilable differences. In an agreed divorce, the parties must meet specific obligations, including a meeting of the minds regarding child custody (or parenting time), child support and the division of property. To assist you with your divorce, our family law team can work on your behalf to prove your grounds and negotiate a settlement with your spouse’s legal representative. Our attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and supporting you as you work through this trying time in your life. Contact us today to schedule a divorce consultation with one of our Tennessee divorce lawyers. Family Law Mediation Family law mediation provides families with a highly desirable alternative to bitter legal battles. Mediation is appropriate for a variety of family law situations, including separation, child custody and support, alimony, and the division of property. In particular, many clients prefer divorce mediation over litigating, for the potential cost savings it offers. Financially, family law mediation helps the parties avoid the legal fees that may accompany an extended court proceeding. However, the more important benefit of mediation may be the emotional and psychological factors. When both parties and their representatives have the opportunity to negotiate their own settlement with a neutral third party, closure and peace of mind come more easily. Call our office today to learn more about how the family law mediation process can help you. Child Support Providing for your children’s needs often requires financial assistance from the other parent. And, although both parents want the best of everything for their child, the emotional landscape of a divorce or separation may interfere with the negotiation process. The Tennessee court system uses established guidelines in determining the financial details of child support, and considers relevant details of child custody (parenting time) and care costs. A family law attorney can help protect your rights and those of your child during the negotiation process. Our Tennessee child support attorneys can help you with any child support issue, whether you are the payer or payee. Child Custody/Parenting Time/ Visitation Negotiating the terms of a divorce can be fraught with emotion. When the negotiations involve children, the emotional and psychological risks are even higher. A compassionate child custody and visitation attorney can help facilitate the process by providing a buffer between the parents. A family law attorney can also help protect your interests and especially the interests of your children by negotiating visitation rights, child support, and other relevant details on your behalf. Contact our office today to speak to one of our compassionate Tennessee child custody attorneys. Grandparent Visitation Child custody battles affect every member of the family, including the child’s grandparents. Unfortunately, grandparents rarely have a say in custody proceedings. A family law attorney can help you legally protect and preserve your grandparental visitation rights in some situations. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Knoxville child custody lawyer. Domestic Violence Defense In Tennessee, a domestic violence conviction represents a serious threat to your future. And, because domestic and intimate partner abuse is a pervasive problem across the U.S., you may feel persecuted well before you have your day in court. Mounting an effective defense against domestic or family violence charges requires a careful approach that considers the emotions of everyone involved. Trusting your attorney to handle your case is the most effective way to protect your legal rights. A Tennessee domestic violence defense lawyer will help you fight domestic violence charges and protect your future. Orders of Protection In Tennessee, an order of protection can safeguard you from danger. If you have experienced abuse, threats, or harassment, this legally mandated protection may save your life. Commonly used for protection from stalkers, abusers, former spouses, or domestic partners, an order of protection may also be part of a divorce proceeding. In some cases, however, certain parties may inappropriately use orders of protection as a tool to manipulate a bitter divorce or child custody battle. Our compassionate legal team can assist you in obtaining — or defending against — orders of protection. Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements Enter your marriage with the trust and faith in a lifetime of happiness, but let our family law attorneys plan for any contingencies. In Tennessee, a prenuptial agreement allows you and your future spouse to achieve a meeting of the minds prior to your wedding. Our prenuptial lawyers can assist you in negotiating the terms, drafting or reviewing the agreement and ensuring its full and proper execution well in advance of your wedding. Postnuptial agreements can present a slightly larger challenge, particularly during the negotiation phase. In some situations, a postnuptial agreement may be worth considering. Contact us to discuss whether a postnuptial agreement is appropriate for your situation. For help with legally valid and enforceable postnuptial and prenuptial agreements, contact us today to speak to a Tennessee family law attorney. Email Our Office I have read the disclaimer. Family Law Alimony in Futuro Alimony in Solido Child Custody Child Support Debt Division Divorce Domestic Violence Defense Family Law Mediation Orders of Protection Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements Paternity Post Decree Modifications Property and Asset Division Rehabilitative Alimony Transitional Alimony Visitation and Parenting Plans Our Practice Areas Business/ Commercial Law Healthcare Law Practice Civil Litigation Injury & Accident Law Estate Planning, Estate Administration & Taxation Bankruptcy/ Creditors’ Rights Family Law Family Law Home Attorneys Testimonials FAQ Blog Contact Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC is a diversified general practice and civil law firm in Knoxville. We serve a wide range of clients, including Tennessee residents and out-of-state clients. OUR PRACTICE AREAS (865) 292-2307 Copyright 2020 Disclaimer Privacy Policy