Practice Areas
Family Law Attorney Brentwood TN
Family is one of the most important things in the world. All families and partners, even those who really love each other, experience difficulties and disputes. Sometimes, family issues are so serious that they require the guidance of an experienced family law attorney. I have practiced law more than 30 years, and have rich experience representing clients in family law matters in Brentwood, Brentwood and the surrounding areas, and I can provide you with the guidance and representation that you deserve. To learn more about how I can help you, call Judy Oxford, Attorney at Law today for a consultation.
What is Family Law?
Family law is an area of civil law that focuses on a variety of legal concerns that impact the family dynamic. Because family law falls within the category of civil law, family law actions, such as divorce, are lawsuits. The outcome of a family law case is separate and distinct from the criminal process. A family law attorney may work on a range of family matters, from divorce to adoption to custody matters to domestic violence protection, and more.
What Does a Family Lawyer Do?
The job of a family law attorney is to provide clients with skilled and compassionate representation during a family law case. A family law attorney offers many types of services. For example, at my law office, I will assist you by:
- Reviewing your case and making a recommendation. The first thing that I will do when you choose me for legal representation is to get as many details about your case as possible. Remember, anything you share with a lawyer is confidential, and I will make sure your privacy is protected. Once I know as much as I can about your situation, I will make a recommendation as to how best to proceed.
- Explaining the law and your rights. When you come to me, you can also count on me to explain the law and your rights under the law. For example, if you are getting a divorce, you will need to know the various state laws pertaining to division of property, spousal support, child custody, etc. If you are seeking a domestic violence order of protection, you will need to familiarize yourself with an entirely different set of laws. I will make sure you know everything you need to know.
- Gathering evidence to support your case. One of the most important roles of attorneys during the family law process is to make sure you have the right evidence to support your case. For example, if you are seeking custody of your child, you will need evidence that highlights why you should be selected for custody. This evidence may come in the form of your children’s teachers’ testimony, notes from people and family who have seen you interact with your child, and even child psychiatrists.
- Working with experts. Depending on the details of your case, experts may need to be recruited to gather evidence, give testimony, and more. While dividing property in a divorce, for example, if you think that your spouse is hiding assets to avoid equitable distribution, working with a forensic accountant who can investigate your spouse’s assets will be key. A lawyer’s job is to find the right experts to help with your case. Of course, your ability to pay for experts will play a role in this.
- Negotiating a settlement. The goal is to have your family law case settle out of court. I will aggressively negotiate with the other party’s attorney or in mediation to reach a settlement that serves you well. I am an experienced negotiator and an aggressive advocate for my clients.
- Representing you in court. While the goal is to settle your case out of court through settlement negotiations when possible, going to court may be your best option if a settlement is not feasible. If this is the case, you can count on me; I have much trial experience and know how to get results in the courtroom. In addition to representing you in court, I will also explain everything you need to know about going to a family law trial, from what to wear and what to expect to how much the process will cost, and more.
- Helping you after your family law matter is settled. After your family law matter has been resolved, either through a settlement or a court judgment, I will make sure you understand the terms of the order/settlement and what your responsibility is moving forward. If the other party is not following the order as required, I can help with court enforcement. I can also offer services for modifying an existing court order.
Why Do You Need a Family Lawyer in Tennessee?
There is no legal requirement to work with a family law attorney in Tennessee; some people choose not to do so when they are involved in a family law matter. However, working with a family law attorney is most likely in your best interests. Reasons you need a family law attorney include:
- An attorney will help you to understand the numerous laws and complexities associated with your case;
- An attorney will make sure that you understand important deadlines and requirements for your case, such as when you have to respond to a petition;
- An attorney will ensure that you understand what you are asking for and what the potential outcomes are;
- An attorney will review a settlement before you sign to make sure your rights are protected;
- An attorney will manage all logistics and documents related to your case;
- An attorney will advocate for your best interests.
An attorney will also serve as a resource and a source of information. Having an attorney on your side could make a very big difference in the outcome of your case and your future.
Williamson County Family Law Practice Areas
Because I have practiced for over three decades, I bring experience in nearly all areas of family law to the table in Tennessee. When you choose me to represent you, I can provide legal representation in regard to the following:
- Fighting for custody of your child can be an exhausting but critical thing to do that will affect you and your child’s relationship for life. I will guide you through the custody laws, gather evidence to support your case, and fight for your child’s best interests.
- Cohabitation/unmarried parents. Unmarried parents and those who cohabitate without being married often have questions about their rights in the event that they separate, especially when children are in the picture. I know how confusing this situation may be, and I can provide the legal support you need to protect your rights.
- For fathers, there are no legal rights during or post-separation if paternity has not been established. Paternity means legal fatherhood and must be established if the parents are not married at the time that the child is born. I can help you to understand the different avenues for establishing paternity and represent you if there is a dispute. I work with both mothers and fathers.
- Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. Forming a pre- or post-nuptial agreement can reduce stress and ease conflict in the event that a couple decides to divorce. I have experience creating pre- and post-nuptial agreements and can advise you on what to include, what to exclude, and how to get started.
- Estate debt settlement during a divorce. If an estate has debt and a couple is divorcing, each party to the marriage may be wondering how debt is divided and who is responsible for what. I will guide you through Tennessee’s laws related to debt division and answer any questions you have about paying for estate debt, including debt that is separate and belongs only to your spouse.
- As a Tennessee family law attorney, I work on many divorce cases. Divorce can be emotional and legally complex, but I work hard to make things as simple and straightforward for you as possible.
- Modifications of family law orders. If you have already been through the family law process and you and the other party have reached a settlement and court order, there may come a point at which you feel as though your court order is no longer relevant, applicable, or fair. If this is the case, I can help you to explore your options, including modification of a court order. Commonly modified orders are spousal support and child custody orders.
Call Judy Oxford, Attorney at Law, Today
As a Brentwood family law attorney with years of experience behind my name, I understand how complex family law cases can be, and how emotional and stressful, too. When you work with me, I want you to feel comfortable, supported, and like you are in good hands. My experience speaks volumes, as do my case results.
If you have a family law issue in Tennessee that you are dealing with and you are not sure what your options are, whether or not you need an attorney, or what steps to take next, I want to talk to you. To schedule a consultation with me, please call me directly today or use the online form on the website to send me a message telling me more about your case. I can offer the support and representation that you need and deserve during this difficult time.