Contact a Family Lawyer in Knoxville Today

Family law issues are some of the most sensitive types of civil cases. Whether you are going through a divorce, seeking child custody, etc., it’s essential that you work with a top family law attorney in Knoxville, TN.

In many instances, the outcome of your case will depend on the legal representation you hire. At the Ooten Law Firm, we have the experience to handle all types of family law cases in Knoxville and the surrounding areas.

We know what’s at stake; your family, future, and livelihood. Contact us today or give us a call at 865-259-0999 for your free consultation.

Learn more about Ooten Law Firm and family law in Knoxville below.

What Does a Family Lawyer in Knoxville Do?

As its name suggests, family law primarily deals with aspects of the law that affect families. That can include, but is not limited to:

Divorce in Knoxville
Adoption in Knoxville
Child custody and child support in Knoxville
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements in Knoxville
Restraining orders in Knoxville

Family lawyers often handle some of the most heart wrenching and rewarding cases in comparison to other practice areas. Generally, a Tennessee family law attorney is focused on defending their client’s rights, advocating on behalf of their clients, and seeking the best possible legal resolution.

It can be challenging to find the best family law attorney in Knoxville. However, your search will be well worth the effort in most cases. Hiring an experienced and well-qualified attorney can be the difference between winning your family law case and losing.

Family Law Services Offered

At the Ooten Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and working towards the best outcome possible in your case. We offer a variety of family law services in Knoxville, including:

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Divorce & divorce mediation
Child support and child custody cases
Alimony and spousal support
Orders of protection and restraining orders

If you have any questions about your specific case, we’re here to help. Contact us or give us a call today to discuss the details. Learn more about the Knoxville family law services we offer below.

Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreements in Knoxville protect property that each spouse owned before marriage. It can also help sort out provisions and steps if the couple gets divorced or one spouse dies. Postnuptial agreements are similar to prenuptial agreements. However, they are drafted and signed after the spouses are married.

Generally, prenuptial/postnuptial agreements in Tennessee cover the following:

Dividing financial accounts
Life insurance requirements
Spouse survivorship rights
Property rights
Distribution of property if one spouse dies or divorce occurs

Drafting a valid prenuptial agreement is essential for it to be recognized by the family courts in Knoxville. For this reason, it’s recommended that you consult with a prenuptial/postnuptial lawyer before signing any documents.

Divorce in Knoxville

Divorce in Tennessee can be a bit more complicated than divorce in many other states. That’s because the state requires the “filing spouse” to provide grounds for divorce. Additionally, Tennessee divorce laws allow for “fault” or “no-fault” divorces.

Grounds for a fault divorce include, but are not limited to:

One spouse is unable to procreate (have children)
One or both spouses have committed adultery
Either spouse deserts the other
One spouse has committed a specific type of crime
Death threats or attempts
Neglectful treatment
Substance abuse

No-fault divorces require both spouses to inform the Knoxville family law court that they desire a divorce based on “irreconcilable differences.” Divorce can be complicated, especially without the help of a proven divorce lawyer in Knoxville, TN.

Contact one of the best divorce lawyers in Knoxville to discuss the details of your case.

Child Custody / Child Support in Knoxville

Whether you seek full custody or are fighting your ex’s attempts to change the current parental agreement, it’s in your best interest to consult with the best child custody lawyers in Knoxville, TN.

Child custody cases often require the experience of a Knoxville child custody attorney to ensure that your rights are protected, and your child’s best interests are looked after.

In addition to child custody cases, the Ooten Law Firm also handles child support disputes. When negotiating child support payments, it is essential to have a grasp of family law in Tennessee and an understanding of the child support enforcement office in Knoxville.

Order of Protection & Restraining Orders in Knoxville

A family law judge signs an order of protection (also known as a restraining order). Its purpose is to legally stop someone from harming or harassing you. If they do not, they can face jail time and fines. Generally, restraining orders in Knoxville are issued to victims of:

Domestic abuse perpetrated by a family member or someone living in the same house
Sexual abuse/ assault
Stalking

At The Ooten Law Firm, we take domestic abuse seriously. Contact us to learn more about filing an order of protection.

Frequently Asked Family Law Questions

We are committed to providing our clients with the most up-to-date information regarding family law in Tennessee. With that in mind, listed below are a few of the most frequently asked family law questions. If you have any questions about your specific case, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Learn more below.

What’s The Difference Between a Contested and Uncontested Divorce?

Most all divorces are challenging. However, contested divorces are much more complicated than uncontested divorces in Knoxville. An uncontested divorce occurs when both partners amicably agree to divorce.

On the other hand, contested divorces occur when spouses can’t agree on a divorce agreement. Disagreements often include child support, child custody, spousal support, property division, debt assignment, etc.

It’s recommended that you hire an attorney regardless of the type of divorce. However, those going through a contested divorce are especially advised to consult with a top divorce lawyer in Knoxville since they generally take more time and effort.

How to Get a Divorce in Tennessee

Every divorce in Knoxville is different, but the process is generally the same. The steps for divorce in Tennessee include the following:

File for divorce
Serve your spouse the divorce documents
Negotiate with your spouse
Discovery phase of the trial (if no agreement can be reached)
Attend mandatory parenting classes if you have children
Settle the divorce or head to trial

If you are considering divorce, you don’t have to take the journey alone. Our Knoxville divorce lawyers are here to help you through the entire process. Contact us today.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Tennessee?

Rates for divorce lawyers in Knoxville vary depending on their experience and the detail of your case. For the most part, divorce lawyers charge a retainer fee plus an hourly rate. At the Ooten Law Firm, we are committed to being an affordable divorce lawyer in Knoxville. Contact us to learn more about our legal fees.

How to File For Child Support in Knoxville Tennessee

Filing for child support in Tennessee is a simple process. You can complete an online application or child support here. You can submit your application online or print it out and fax/mail it to the child support office in Knoxville.

There are no fees associated with filing for child support in Tennessee. However, federal law requires that you pay a $35 annual fee after at least $550 in child support payments have been received. If you or your family have been recipients of TANF or Families First benefits, you may not have to pay the fee.

How to Get Child Custody in Tennessee

Obtaining child custody in Knoxville can be a complicated process. If you are seeking full custody, you will need to prove to the Knoxville family court that your request is in the child’s best interest. Proving that is more likely if you hire a proven child custody lawyer.

In some cases, the court can grant emergency custody while the custody case is litigated in court. Regardless of your circumstances, the lawyers at Ooten Law Firm are here to help at every step of your child custody case in Knoxville.

Work With a Top Divorce Lawyer in Knoxville TN Today

You are not required to hire a family lawyer in Knoxville. However, with so much at stake, it’s in your best interest to do so. The Tennessee divorce lawyers at the Ooten Law Firm are skilled, experienced, and prepared to advocate for your rights at every step of the process.

Handling divorce, child custody, or other family law issues on your own can be a gamble. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle it on your own. We’re here to help.