Your Advocate And Ally In Tennessee Family Law Disputes

Guiding Tennessee Families Through Change

Concerns involving your family are important to you. Going through a divorce, establishing parental rights and trying to modify a post-divorce agreement are often emotional and stressful processes. You don’t have to go through any of it with unanswered questions or uncertain expectations. At Ken Lawson Law, we take the time to get to know our clients. Our attorney will listen to your needs, answer your questions and fight for your goals. We also take the time to help you set realistic expectations.

Offering Comprehensive Services

Our Tennessee firm’s main focus is on families. We use personal and professional experience to guide families through difficult times. We offer comprehensive family law services to those dealing with:

Divorce: We can help you find the best process for the dissolution of your marriage. Whether you need strong mediation or a trial, we are ready to advocate for you.
Child custody: Whether you have an established custody plan or are about to set one for the first time, we want to help you obtain the proper parenting time with your children. We will also answer your questions regarding relocating with your child.
Child support: Both parents have the duty to provide financial support to their children. We will help you understand how support plans are calculated and what to expect.
Fathers’ rights: As a dad, you deserve equal opportunities to care for your children. We assist unwed fathers in establishing paternity and help dads defend their rights.
Orders of protection: Orders or protection may be sought immediately for your and your child’s protection. Law enforcement, or our office, can direct you to where you should apply. Whether you are the potential or actual victim, or you have been accused of violence, threats of violence, or stalking, having competent legal counsel is highly recommended.
Property division: When you divorce, you must divide property and assets obtained throughout your marriage. We will help you understand how this process works and what items qualify.

All parents have a right and obligation to care for their children. We fight to help both women and men assert their rights throughout all family law matters. Our lawyer is proud to help clients like you achieve your goals and maintain your family relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Family Law Cases

Here are answers to some of the questions we frequently hear from those in Chattanooga, Hamilton County and the surrounding Ooltewah area who are facing divorce or other family law matters.

What is the first step in a Tennessee family law case?

The first step is scheduling an initial consultation with a family law attorney. During this meeting, the focus is on understanding your situation, identifying your goals and outlining potential legal paths forward. This includes discussing issues such as divorce, child custody, child support or property division and determining what outcomes matter most to you and your family.

After this evaluation, the case formally begins with the filing of a petition in the appropriate Tennessee court. In some situations, immediate court action may be necessary. If there are urgent concerns involving child safety, financial misconduct or the risk of assets being hidden or dissipated, an emergency or ex parte order may be requested.

How long does the average divorce case take in Chattanooga?

The timeline for a divorce in Chattanooga depends on whether the case is uncontested or contested and the workload of the 11th Judicial District. Tennessee requires a 60-day waiting period for divorces without minor children and 90 days when children are involved. Uncontested cases are often finalized soon after this period.

Contested divorces usually take longer due to disputes over custody, support or property. These cases may involve hearings and discovery and can last several months or more in Hamilton County depending on complexity and cooperation.

Can we handle our case through mediation if we do not agree on everything yet?

Yes. Mediation is often appropriate even when there are unresolved disagreements. Many couples enter mediation with differing views on custody schedules, support or property division. The mediation process allows both parties to work through these issues in a structured setting with the goal of reaching mutually acceptable solutions.

Mediation can reduce conflict, limit court involvement and give families more control over the final outcome. Agreements reached through mediation can later be incorporated into a legally binding court order.

Do I have to live in Hamilton County to file my case here?

You do not necessarily need to live in Hamilton County to file a family law case there. For divorce cases, at least one spouse must have lived in Tennessee for six months prior to filing. An attorney can help determine the correct county based on residency and the specific facts of your situation.

Tell Us Your Story Today

Each family is unique. We want to hear about yours and how we can help you through this current issue. Schedule a free consultation at our Ooltewah office. Call our firm today at 423-800-6920. We are ready to advocate for you and your family.