Domestic Violence and Tennessee Family Court
How Tennessee family courts may consider domestic abuse when determining custody.
Child Custody Framework
Child custody decisions prioritize the child's safety, wellbeing, and best interests. Courts generally consider both legal custody (decision-making rights) and physical custody (where the child lives). The framework aims to support stable, nurturing environments and meaningful parent-child relationships, while safeguarding against any risk of harm.
Raising Domestic Violence Concerns
If domestic violence (DV) concerns exist, it is essential to raise them clearly during custody proceedings. Providing detailed information about any abuse history helps ensure the court fully understands risks to the child and parent. Courts treat DV carefully, seeking to protect vulnerable parties while balancing parental rights.
Evidence Courts May Evaluate
The court reviews various evidence types related to custody and DV, including police reports, restraining orders, witness statements, medical records, and any documented patterns of abuse or neglect. Evaluations from social workers or child protective services can also inform the court’s decisions, as well as credible testimonies from involved parties.
Supervised Visitation Options
When risk factors exist, courts may order supervised visitation to maintain contact while ensuring safety. This allows the non-custodial parent to spend time with the child under the oversight of a neutral third party or agency. Supervised visitation aims to protect the child without fully severing parental bonds.
For comprehensive support and resources on navigating custody and domestic violence concerns, visit DV Support.