Dedicated And Highly Effective Legal Counsel Since 1924.

Family Law Representation For Your Family And Your Future

Family ties help to anchor us and provide the support we need every day. However, in times of transition or trouble, marriage, parenthood and other family issues may force us to seek legal help. Whether you need assistance with divorce, want to expand your family through adoption, or anything in between, a respected, experienced family lawyer is a must.

At Herndon, Coleman, Brading, & McKee, LLP, we are pleased to serve East Tennessee individuals and families. With almost 100 years of history in the region, we have helped multiple generations of area residents. If you need help with a family law issue, consider allowing our firm and its experienced attorneys and staff to guide you through your family law process.

Offering A Full Array Of Family Law Services

We understand how important cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability are to our family law clients. Our lawyers are ready to smooth the way for you in the following family law issues:

  • Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
  • Uncontested and contested divorces
  • High-asset divorces
  • Child custody, visitation and support
  • Modifications and enforcement of court orders
  • Domestic violence and orders of protection
  • Paternity actions
  • Stepparent adoptions and other private adoptions
  • Same-sex divorces and LGBTQ family law issues
  • Rule 31 Family Law Mediation
  • Adoption and termination of parental rights
  • Grandparent and third-party visitation

Our attorneys will keep you informed and make sure that you understand each step of the process. When there are decisions to make, your lawyer will be there with guidance and will help give you the confidence you need to make the choices that are in your and your children’s best interest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law In Tennessee

Our attorneys are highly experienced and practice in family law issues. We know what it takes to help you. If you have any questions about your family law issue, we hope we can answer them. Below are some frequently asked questions that may help you find answers:

How does the divorce process work in Tennessee?

Every divorce can be unique, but the general process is the same for everybody: One spouse must file a complaint for divorce, which outlines the terms being sought. The other spouse must then be served with the complaint and a summons as a part of due process. The respondent spouse then has an opportunity to file a counter-complaint and make counterclaims.

This begins the divorce process, which can then either proceed uncontested, through a negotiated settlement on all the issues, or contested, through litigation. A contested divorce will generally take much longer than an uncontested divorce and be more expensive.

The time it takes to settle your divorce greatly depends on how cooperative your spouse is throughout the process. From start to finish, the divorce process is complex, but we will be by your side every step of the way.

How is child custody determined in Tennessee?

Parents are encouraged to come to a negotiated agreement regarding parenting time (custody and visitation). If they’re unable to do so, the court will consider the best interests of the child before ultimately deciding on custody. A few factors the court may consider include:

  • The relationship between the parents and their child
  • The child’s mental health and physical health needs
  • Each parent’s potential to provide for their child
  • Evidence of child abuse, alienation or abandonment
  • A child’s preference regarding their living arrangements

A family law lawyer can assist parents in collecting evidence and presenting their case.

Do I need a lawyer for family law issues in Tennessee?

While you are not required to have a lawyer to resolve your family law issues, it is highly recommended. A lawyer can educate you on your rights and help ensure your best interests are protected. No matter what your family law issue is, talking to a lawyer first benefits you.

Resolving Difficult Cases

Our goal is to simplify the complex legal process for our clients so that each can understand and participate actively in their case. Even if your spouse refuses to negotiate, or if your child’s other parent is not honoring a custody or support order, our team can help you overcome those obstacles and resolve your case as quickly as possible.

Whether you believe your case will be difficult or straightforward, agreed or disputed, please give us a chance to ease your burdens. We will make sure that your case progresses in the right direction and help you in pursuit of your goals. Reach us by phone at 844-678-9750 or send a message, and we will respond as soon as we can.

For more on our attorneys, click on their profiles below: