Hunter
Fowler
Managing Partner
Under Tennessee law, mothers and fathers start on equal footing when it comes to custody, visitation, and decision-making for their children.
That means fathers have the right to:
Even though the law is written to be neutral, many fathers feel the system is stacked against them. Our role is to make sure your side of the story is clearly presented, backed by evidence, and grounded in Tennessee family law.
Every family is different, but many fathers run into similar issues, including:
We help fathers address these challenges through careful preparation, negotiation, and, when necessary, strong representation in court.
If you were married to your child’s mother when the child was born, paternity is usually presumed. For unmarried fathers, however, the first step in asserting your rights is often legally establishing paternity.
This can involve:
Once paternity is established, you can seek:
Our team can guide you through each step so your legal status matches the role you play in your child’s life.
In Tennessee, every custody case requires a Permanent Parenting Plan (PPP)—a detailed, legally binding document that spells out where the child will live, how time is shared, and how major decisions will be made.
We work closely with fathers to design parenting plans that are realistic, balanced, and focused on the child’s stability—while also protecting your ability to be present and involved.
Some father’s rights cases involve additional layers of complexity, such as:
In these cases, we help fathers follow required notice procedures, respond to relocation requests, and present evidence that protects both their parental rights and their child’s well-being.
In Tennessee, an unmarried father must legally establish paternity before receiving rights such as custody, visitation, or decision-making authority. Once paternity is confirmed, either voluntarily or through court order, fathers have the same legal standing as mothers to seek parenting time, child support arrangements, and shared custody.
Paternity can be established by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity at birth or later, or by requesting DNA testing through a court proceeding. Establishing paternity is the first step for fathers seeking custody or visitation rights.
No. Tennessee law requires courts to make decisions based on the best interests of the child, not the gender of the parent.
If a mother withholds parenting time that is already ordered by the court, the father can file a Petition for Contempt or request a modification of the parenting plan. Tennessee courts take violations of visitation orders seriously.
Yes, every custody case in Tennessee requires a parenting plan. It outlines how parents will share time and responsibilities, including holidays, decision-making, and communication. Your child custody lawyer can help create a detailed plan that meets court standards and works for your family.
If you are worried about losing time with your child, unsure about your rights, or facing a custody dispute, you do not have to navigate it alone. The earlier you understand your options and strategy, the better positioned you are to protect your relationship with your child.
Contact Fowler Law Group today to schedule a confidential consultation with a Murfreesboro father’s rights attorney. We’ll walk you through your next steps, help you understand what to expect, and stand beside you as you fight for the time and involvement your child deserves.
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