Legal Question in Family Law in Tennessee

Child Support - Never Married

I have a 7-year-old son. I was never married to his father. He has nothing to do with his son and never has. He was married with children at the time we were involved (lied). He has sent a little money (at my insistence) here and there over the past 3 to 4 years but nothing on a regular basis. I have been very understanding of his family and situation; however, after several months of no help, I am now ready to pursue legal child support. How long does this process typically take? Does custody/visitation get addressed in this process as well? I want to retain sole custody as I am the only parent my child has ever known. I really don't want his dad even in his life at this point as he never has been and has shown no interest at all.I'm now really beginning to wonder and worry about what he could do (out of spite) as far as trying to get custody of my son. I realize he is the legal father, but would any judge in his/her right mind give custody to a dad who has never been part of his son's life? I just feel he will have a lot of resentment for me and his son once he has to start paying more money on a regular basis.


Asked on 1/14/00, 12:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jes Beard Jes Beard, Attorney at Law

Re: Child Support - Never Married

Under Tennessee law judges have a very wide range of options in custody/visitation matters.

But if the father wanted visitation, it probably would be allowed to some degree and in some form.

To persuade the court that contact with the biological father would be bad for the child would be very difficult to do.

And your desire to prevent him from having any role in the child's life seems to be based more on resentment than on any well-founded belief that it would in fact be harmful to the child.

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Answered on 1/21/00, 10:26 pm


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