Nashville Family Law Practice
Smoothing Out Your Family Legal Matters
Penny Harrington approaches all family legal matters with professionalism and sensitivity. If you have a family law problem, Penny will work alongside you to ensure the best legal outcome for you and your loved ones.
Domestic Partnership
In 2006, a ballot referendum in Tennessee defined marriage as a contract between a man and a woman. Domestic partnership is not valid under Tennessee law, whether same-sex or opposite sex. If you are in a long-term committed relationship, you will need the advice of the Harrington Law Office regarding:
- Insurance Benefits
- Medical decision authority
- Joint property ownership
- Connect your marital decisions to your estate planning
- Agree to terms in case of a trial separation period
- Reduce confusion in the event of an unforeseen divorce
- Mandatory 30-hour education and self-assessment processes
- Home study from a licensed child placing agency
- Negotiation with the child’s social worker
- One spouse does not wish to divorce
- You have lived in Tennessee for less than six months
- Your spouse has moved out of the state
- Current financial resources
- Previous contribution to the marital household
- Future earning potential
- Ability of each parent to reasonably care for the child
- History of contribution to parenting tasks
- The child’s preference, when appropriate
Premarital Agreements
You may think of a prenup as planning your divorce before you have had your wedding. However, there are good reasons to have an amicable premarital agreement.
Adoption
Whatever your reasons for choosing adoption, the process requires careful legal preparation and documentation.
Divorce
Penny Harrington is a Tennessee Certified Rule 31 Family Law Mediator. She can help you resolve your marital issues by representing you in mediation. If you find that your marriage must come to an end, Penny takes you through all the steps. Some complications in divorce may include:
Even if there are no apparent complications, you need a lawyer working with you to make sure that the divorce is legal and absolute.
Spousal Support
Alimony payments are determinedly by the court. The judge examines each party to assess:
Child Support & Custody
This is perhaps the most difficult aspect of divorce. Child support amounts are calculated by the court by a ratio of financial and custody factors. Custody itself can be complicated, and is determined factors including:
Family Law on a Personal Level
Penny Harrington gets to know you as an individual. She understands your needs and works with you to achieve a solution. If you have a family law problem, please reach out to the Harrington Law Office today.