Child Custody & Support
Protecting Your Parental Rights: Child Custody & Support Representation
At Hamer & Taylor, we understand that child custody and child support cases are some of the most emotionally charged and impactful legal matters a parent can face. Whether you are seeking primary custody, joint custody, or need modifications to an existing order, our experienced legal team is here to advocate for your parental rights while prioritizing the best interests of your child.
With an award-winning team of family law attorneys, we provide strong representation and compassionate guidance throughout the process. We work diligently to negotiate fair custody arrangements, ensure financial support for your child, and protect your relationship as a parent. Whether through mediation or litigation, we fight for solutions that provide stability and security for you and your child.
Curious about how child custody is decided? Here’s what you need to know.
In this video, Dan Taylor provides an in-depth explanation of how custody decisions are made, helping you understand the key factors that influence the outcome. For more information on specific topics, visit our Video Library page to explore additional resources.
How Child Custody Is Determined
Child custody decisions are made based on one key principle: the best interest of the child. As Dan Taylor explains, custody is not about what the parents want—or even necessarily what the child wants—but rather what the court determines will provide the most stable and supportive environment for the child’s future.
To make this decision, the court considers several factors, including:
Parental involvement before the divorce – The court looks at which parent has historically been the primary caregiver and nurturer.
Stability and consistency – A stable home environment is crucial for a child's well-being. The court evaluates work schedules, living situations, and the ability to provide a consistent routine.
Encouraging a strong parent-child relationship – The court values a parent’s ability to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent.
The child’s wishes – While many believe that a child automatically chooses their living arrangement at age 12, this is a misconception. Tennessee law allows a court to consider a child's preference at age 12 or older, but the judge is not required to follow their wishes.
If a child is under 12, a judge may or may not choose to hear their perspective. Ultimately, the court’s goal is to create a custody arrangement that prioritizes the child's emotional, physical, and developmental needs.
At Hamer & Taylor, we advocate for fair, child-focused custody agreements that protect your rights while ensuring the best possible outcome for your child.
How is child support calculated in a divorce? Let’s break it down.
In this video, Anne Hamer explains how child support is determined and what factors influence the amount. For more details on specific topics, visit our Video Library to explore additional resources.
How Child Support Is Determined
Child support is designed to ensure that both parents contribute fairly and appropriately to the financial well-being of their child. As Anne Hamer explains above, the state calculates child support using a structured formula that considers each parent’s income, expenses, and additional child-related costs.
The process begins by combining both parents’ gross incomes and determining the amount of support necessary to raise the child each month. This number is then adjusted based on each parent's financial contribution. The formula also accounts for additional factors, such as:
Childcare expenses (daycare, babysitting, or after-school care)
Health insurance premiums paid by one parent
Education costs (including private school or specialized learning needs)
Extraordinary medical expenses
Once all these variables are entered into the state-mandated child support worksheet, the formula produces a baseline child support amount. However, this number is not always set in stone. Parents may negotiate reasonable adjustments, such as agreeing to cover out-of-pocket medical costs instead of increasing the monthly support payment. Any deviations from the calculated amount must be justified to the court and proven to be in the best interest of the child.
At Hamer & Taylor, we help parents navigate the child support process by ensuring that payments are fair, accurately calculated, and tailored to their child’s needs. Whether you are seeking, modifying, or enforcing child support, our team is here to advocate for you.