Family Law

Freeman & Fuson are trial lawyers who handle family law cases, including divorce, child custody, post-divorce and contempt issues. And they are dedicated to fighting for you. Most divorce cases are resolved either through a settlement or at mediation. Despite a large number of settlements, the only way to get the best result in your case is to hire a trial lawyer. You have to know what will likely happen at trial to know what is or is not a good settlement. The worst mistake someone can make is preparing for settlement. Mark and Joseph prepare for trial and only settle cases if it is in the best interest of their client.

Divorce and child custody cases are extremely emotional and often times can be overwhelming for individuals. Mark and Joseph have handled these difficult cases and have been successful. Litigating for mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, Mark and Joseph know the law and know how to apply it in family law courts throughout Middle Tennessee.

Hiring a lawyer that knows how to fight for your best interest in Court can be the difference in getting what you want or taking what you get. Call Mark Freeman or Joseph Fuson if you need a lawyer.

Rights Of Parents

Under T.C.A. § 36-6-101 of Tennessee law, both parents are entitled to the following rights:

1. The right to unimpeded telephone conversations with the child at least twice a week at reasonable times and for reasonable durations;
2. The right to send mail to the child which the other parent shall not open or censor;
3. The right to receive notice and relevant information as soon as practicable but within twenty-four (24) hours of any event of hospitalization, major illness or death of the child;
4. The right to receive directly from the child’s school any school records customarily made available to parents. (The school may require a written request which includes a current mailing address and upon payment of reasonable costs of duplicating.) These include copies of the child’s report cards, attendance records, names of teachers, class schedules, and standardized test scores;
5. The right to receive copies of the child’s medical health or other treatment records directly from the physician or health care provider who provided treatment or health care. (The keeper of the records may require a written request which contains a current mailing address and the payment of reasonable costs of duplication.) No person who receives the mailing address of a parent as a result of this requirement shall provide such address to the other parent or a third person;
6. The right to be free of unwarranted derogatory remarks made about the parent or his or her family by the other parent to the child or in the presence of the child;
7. The right to be given at least forty-eight (48) hours notice, whenever possible, of all extra-curricular activities, and the opportunity to participate or observe them. These include the following: school activities, athletic activities, church activities and other activities where parental participation or observation would be appropriate;
8. The right to receive from the other parent, in the event the other parent leaves the state with the minor child or children for more than two (2) days, an itinerary including telephone numbers for use in the event of an emergency;
9. The right to access and participation in education on the same basis that is provided to all parents. This includes the right of access to the child for lunch and other activities. However participation or access must be reasonable and not interfere with day-to-day operations or with the child’s educational performance.

• Divorce
• Child Custody
• Orders of Protection
• Post-Divorce Matters
• Grandparent’s Rights
• Parental Relocation