Hagar and Phillips - Family Law

Relinquishing Parental Rights in Lebanon, TN: What Parents Need to Know

Relinquishing parental rights is a serious decision that can permanently change the relationship between a parent and a child. In Lebanon, TN, this issue often comes up when families are dealing with adoption, step-parent adoption, long-term family conflict, or situations where a parent believes they can no longer take part in a child’s life. Because the decision can have lasting legal and emotional effects, it is important to understand what it really means before moving forward.

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Common Law Marriage in Lebanon TN: What Couples Should Know

Tennessee does not recognize common law marriage formed within the state. That means simply living together for years, sharing bills, or calling each other husband and wife does not create a legal marriage in Lebanon, Tennessee.

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Domestic Assault Charges in Wilson County: What to Know

Domestic assault is a criminal charge that arises when an assault happens between people who have a qualifying personal or family relationship. In Tennessee, the term is often used interchangeably with domestic violence in everyday conversation, but it has a specific legal meaning. Understanding that distinction matters because domestic assault cases are handled seriously and can affect more than just a person’s immediate court case.

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Hagar & Phillips Named Best Divorce Lawyer in Wilson County TN for 2025

At Hagar & Phillips, we are honored to be recognized as the Best Divorce Lawyer in Wilson County for 2025. This distinction means so much to our team because it reflects the trust and support of the Lebanon, Tennessee, community we proudly serve.

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What to Consider Before Starting an Adoption in Tennessee

Deciding to pursue adoption is a significant step for many families in Tennessee. Adoption can create lasting legal relationships, expand a household, and provide stability for a child, but it also comes with emotional, practical, and financial considerations. Before beginning the process, it helps to think through several key areas so that the decision is informed, deliberate, and aligned with your family’s long‑term well‑being.

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How Child Support Works in Tennessee

Child support is one of the most common and emotionally charged issues in Tennessee family law. For many parents in Wilson County and surrounding areas, understanding how the state calculates child support, what counts as “income,” and how changes can be made later can help reduce uncertainty and conflict. This overview explains, in general terms, how child support works in Tennessee without giving legal advice for any specific situation.

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How a Family Mediator Helps Families Resolve Conflicts

Family conflicts over divorce, custody, parenting time, or financial issues can feel overwhelming and emotionally charged. In Tennessee, many families choose family mediation as a way to work through disagreements with the help of a neutral third party rather than going straight to court. A family mediator does not make decisions for the family; instead, the mediator helps parents and other involved parties communicate, clarify what they need, and try to reach practical, mutually acceptable agreements.

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What Happens If a Parent Violates a Parenting Plan in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, a parenting plan is a court‑approved schedule that sets out custody, visitation, and decision‑making responsibilities for both parents after separation or divorce. When one parent repeatedly ignores or undermines that plan, it can create confusion, conflict, and stress for the children and the other parent. Understanding what typically happens when a parenting plan is violated can help families see both the practical and legal consequences and decide how to respond.

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The Difference Between Contested and Uncontested Divorce in Tennessee

When couples in Tennessee decide to end their marriage, one of the first practical questions they face is whether their divorce will be contested or uncontested. Understanding that difference can help spouses anticipate how long the process may take, how much it may cost, and what kind of involvement they will need from the court and from attorneys. Both paths end in a legal divorce, but the route you take can shape the experience in very different ways.

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Tennessee Domestic Violence Registry (Savanna’s Law)

Tennessee has taken steps in recent years to strengthen how domestic violence cases are tracked and reported. One idea that often raises questions is a domestic violence registry, especially whether being listed could affect someone’s life beyond the courtroom. Understanding what a registry is designed to do and how it typically works can help put these concerns in context.

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Relinquishing Parental Rights in Lebanon, TN: What Parents Need to Know

Common Law Marriage in Lebanon TN: What Couples Should Know

Domestic Assault Charges in Wilson County: What to Know

Hagar & Phillips Named Best Divorce Lawyer in Wilson County TN for 2025

What to Consider Before Starting an Adoption in Tennessee

How Child Support Works in Tennessee

How a Family Mediator Helps Families Resolve Conflicts

What Happens If a Parent Violates a Parenting Plan in Tennessee?

The Difference Between Contested and Uncontested Divorce in Tennessee

Tennessee Domestic Violence Registry (Savanna’s Law)

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