Parental Rights Lawyer in Nashville

Protecting Your Relationship With Your Child

When your role as a parent feels uncertain, every conversation, message, or court notice can be frightening. If you are looking for a parental rights attorney Nashville parents can turn to for clear guidance, you are likely worried about what the future will look like for you and your child.

At Garrett Talley & Thorington, we know how deeply your identity is tied to being a parent. Since 1973, our family law firm in Franklin has helped mothers and fathers across the Greater Nashville area navigate custody, visitation, and other parental rights issues under Tennessee law. Our goal is to protect your relationship with your child while working toward practical, lasting solutions.

Call us at (629) 245-2933 to schedule a consultation with our Nashville parental rights lawyers.

How We Help Protect Parents

Parents come to us at many different stages. Some are preparing for a divorce in Nashville or Franklin and want to understand how parenting time might be shared. Others already have a parenting plan and are facing a proposed change, a relocation, or repeated violations of the schedule. Some have never been married to the other parent and need to establish paternity and clear rights.

We start by listening carefully to your story. Our attorneys review any existing orders, messages, and relevant background so we can see the full picture. We then walk you through how Tennessee law applies to your situation and talk openly about what outcomes may be realistic in the courts where your case will be heard.

Understanding Parents’ Rights In Tennessee

Knowing how Tennessee approaches parents’ rights can make the process feel less overwhelming. In this state, courts generally look at both legal decision-making authority and residential time. Parenting plans typically identify which parent is the primary residential parent and how major decisions, such as education or medical care, are made.

Judges in Davidson County and Williamson County apply a “best interest of the child” standard when creating or modifying a parenting plan. They typically consider factors such as each parent’s history of caregiving, the stability of each home, each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, and any concerns about safety or substance use. Every family is different, so the weight given to each factor can vary.

What To Do If Your Rights Are Threatened

Parents often reach out to us after a crisis moment. You might have been served with court papers, been denied scheduled parenting time, or received a message from the other parent threatening to move away with your child. In these moments, it can be tempting to react quickly, but the steps you take next can affect your case.

It is important not to violate any current court orders, even if you believe the other parent is being unfair. Courts typically look closely at which parent respects the existing parenting plan. Keeping your side of the order can strengthen your position, while self-help actions, such as withholding the child or refusing exchanges, may create problems later.

Try to keep a calm record of what is happening, including dates, times, and copies of messages or emails. Avoid posting about the conflict on social media or involving your child in adult discussions about the case. If you receive legal papers, note any deadlines to respond, since missing a deadline can limit your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lose my parental rights in Tennessee?

Parental rights can be limited or terminated in Tennessee, but this usually occurs only in serious situations with specific legal grounds. Courts look closely at safety, neglect, and other statutory factors. If you are worried about this possibility, it is important to meet with an attorney quickly.

How do Nashville-area judges decide custody?

Judges in Davidson County and Williamson County apply a best interest of the child standard. They generally consider factors such as each parent’s caregiving history, the child’s needs, the stability of each home, and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.

Can you help if there is already a parenting plan?

Yes. We regularly assist parents who already have a parenting plan from a Tennessee court. We can review your current orders, advise you about modification or enforcement options, and work with you to pursue changes that reflect your child’s current needs.

Talk With Our Team About Your Rights

If you are worried about protecting your role as a parent in the Nashville area, you do not have to face the legal system alone. At Garrett Talley & Thorington, we help parents understand their options, prepare for court, and work toward parenting arrangements that support both their children and their own future.

With more than five decades of family law service in Franklin and across Middle Tennessee, our firm combines local insight with a client-centered approach. We offer in-person meetings and virtual appointments so you can connect with us in the way that works best for you. When you are ready to talk about your parental rights, we are ready to listen and help you plan your next steps.

Call us at (629) 245-2933 to schedule a consultation with our Nashville parental rights attorneys.