Compassionate and Experienced Legal Help for Juvenile Court Matters in Tennessee
At the Law Office of Lisa Collins Werner, we provide skilled legal representation for clients facing juvenile court issues in East Tennessee. Juvenile court cases often involve children whose safety and well-being are at risk due to inappropriate actions or neglect by those responsible for their care. Below are some of the key issues we handle:
Dependency and Neglect (D&N)
Dependency and neglect occur when a parent or caregiver’s actions—or failure to act—result in harm or create a serious risk of harm to a child. This includes situations involving physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or placing a child in imminent danger. In these cases, the Juvenile Court will appoint or mandate the assistance of a Guardian ad Litem, an attorney specifically representing the best interests of the child. The Guardian ad Litem advocates for the child’s welfare throughout the legal process.
Custody and Paternity Issues
In Tennessee, a father’s legal rights to a child are dependent on the establishment of paternity. The sooner paternity is established, the better it is for everyone involved. Custody decisions are made with the child’s best interests in mind, and the court carefully considers the circumstances of each case to determine the most appropriate arrangements.
Termination of Parental Rights
If issues related to dependency and neglect are not resolved, the court may terminate parental rights. This process can be either voluntary or involuntary, and it is decided based on several factors, including the child’s safety and well-being. Parental rights must be terminated before adoption can occur, and courts make these decisions after carefully evaluating the situation.
Juvenile court matters are extremely serious, often involving the safety and protection of children. If you are facing these issues in Knoxville or the surrounding areas, Attorney Lisa Collins Werner is here to help. With over 30 years of legal experience, she is known for her compassionate approach and her ability to achieve favorable, efficient results for her clients. Lisa has successfully helped many families secure a better future, and she is ready to assist you as well.
Contact Our Firm Today for More Information
Located in Knoxville, we serve clients across East Tennessee. To schedule your initial phone consultation, call today or complete a request form.