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Understanding Fathers' Rights in Child Custody Cases

Many fathers worry that custody decisions favor mothers. However, Tennessee courts make custody decisions based on the child’s best interests, not a parent’s gender.

Courts may consider: include:

Our attorneys help clients understand fathers rights child custody matters by presenting evidence that demonstrates a father’s involvement, stability, and ability to meet the child’s needs.

Our Father's Rights Legal Services

Fathers' Rights in Child Custody Cases 7a911c0a597301737e15d534b242c9c1@2x

Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP)

When both parents agree, paternity can be established by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity through the hospital or the Tennessee Department of Health.


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Genetic DNA Testing

When paternity is disputed, we help fathers pursue or respond to court-ordered genetic testing.


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Challenging Paternity

If you have been incorrectly identified as a child’s biological father, we help protect your legal interests.


Fathers' Rights in Child Custody Cases 7a911c0a597301737e15d534b242c9c1@2x

Child Custody Representation

We advocate for fair custody arrangements that reflect your role in your child’s life.


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Visitation Rights

We help fathers secure meaningful parenting time with their children.


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Your Rights as a Father After Establishing Paternity

Once paternity is legally established, you gain important father custody rights and can seek custody, visitation, and an active role in your child’s life.

Our attorneys help fathers protect their rights and pursue arrangements that support their child’s best interests.

Client Reviews

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Micheal Rodgers profile picture
Micheal Rodgers
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I had nowhere to turn hadn’t seen my children for 2 months so I called Mr Sholly . He filed for emergency custody and after 4 months of fighting WE WON FULL CUSTODY of my 3 children. I would MOST DEFINITELY hire this man again and I highly recommend him to anyone that is battling. Thank you John I appreciate all you did for myself and my children.
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WLS Rosa profile picture
WLS Rosa
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John is a courtroom warrior he will defend you like his life depended on it. Super great attorney highly recommended.
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Gina Lee Lewellyn profile picture
Gina Lee Lewellyn
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Mr. Sholly, Around 2015, i had got to know about you when I had to go to court for my first time at Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS Case Manager 2) and I remember very well you working hard and helping people going through hard times and you even That have been doing amazing things for others that needed some help. going to the court? Sometimes it's a great day. Some there are times it's not all that good, but seeing him get through that and helping people to get through it if it's a hard time or a wonderful day, I'm very proud a good person from what I have seen. now he is helping me because now I am disability because Stoke 9/26/2024 and now I have aphasia this is my first time about this that has happened , but I knew the best thing to do and to ask some help was about Mr. Sholly. Thank you!!! Regina Lewellyn
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Rene Hill profile picture
Rene Hill
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Best lawyer in town!! So helpful and willing to fight for me!! Only a positive experience thank you!!!
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Michael Turney profile picture
Michael Turney
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Had a great experience. Very easy to work with and always straight to the point and always available. Would recommend him to everyone.
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Mila Nikitchuk profile picture
Mila Nikitchuk
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John Sholly is the best! My case was not simple but he was very helpful and did everything best to help me. I would definitely recommend him if you are looking for an attorney.
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Adrian West profile picture
Adrian West
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John Sholly is a great attorney he made the whole process easy! he got me everything I dissevered, and more I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a great attorney
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Peyton Gunter profile picture
Peyton Gunter
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Paid in full…. Didn’t move my case forward whatsoever and made it out to be like it was the opposing counsel making it difficult. Never got proof of any work he actually did or didn’t do. Never got any paperwork of anything actually, other than what I already gave him. Charged me for texts/emails telling me when court was….. not happy with this counsel, I recommend seeking help elsewhere. This was a total waste of money and time. Do what you will with this information
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Gregory fleisch profile picture
Gregory fleisch
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this lawyer is amazing, he took the time out to help me with a family situation, and it was out of his scope of practice due to elder care, but he took the time to listen to my story and referred me to a great lawyer, I would definitely use him if he could have helped me but unfortunately it was outside of his scope of practice and he was honest enough to tell me that and refer me to somebody else but nonetheless I was on the phone with him for 15 minutes and then he decided that he couldn't handle it and was gracious enough to send me to somebody else and I will tell you as a business owner not many attorneys are willing to do that 5 stars
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Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Custody Case

Strong evidence can help support your request for child custody for fathers and demonstrate your commitment to your child’s well-being.

We help fathers gather and present persuasive evidence to build a strong custody case under Tennessee law.

Areas We Serve

We proudly represent fathers and families throughout Knoxville and surrounding East Tennessee communities, including:

Frequently Asked Questions

Unmarried fathers must first establish legal paternity before seeking court-ordered visitation or custody. Once paternity is established, they can petition for parenting time and other parental rights.

Paternity can be established voluntarily by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) or through court-ordered DNA testing if parentage is disputed.

Yes. Tennessee courts determine child custody for fathers based on the child’s best interests rather than the parent’s gender, giving fathers equal opportunities to seek custody.

The court considers factors such as the child’s best interests, each parent’s involvement, the child’s needs, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable environment.

Yes. If there has been a significant change in circumstances, you may request a modification of custody or visitation through the court.

If visitation is denied in violation of a court order, you may seek enforcement through the court with the assistance of an attorney.

Yes. Once paternity is legally established, unmarried fathers may petition the court for custody, visitation, and a parenting plan.

No. Tennessee courts focus on the child’s best interests and evaluate both parents equally when making custody decisions.

An attorney can help establish paternity, explain fathers parental rights, prepare legal filings, negotiate parenting arrangements, and represent you during custody or visitation proceedings.

Our firm provides personalized legal representation, strategic advocacy, and experienced courtroom guidance to help fathers protect their parental rights and maintain meaningful relationships with their children.

Protect Your Visitation Rights as a Father

Contact Knoxville Divorce Attorney today to learn more about visitation rights for fathers and take the next step toward protecting your relationship with your child.

Tennessee Family Law Resources

Visitation Rights For Fathers

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