Parental Relocation Attorney in Franklin, TN

Representing Parents on Both Sides of Relocation Disputes in Williamson County

When a parent with an existing custody or parenting plan order wants to move more than 50 miles from the other parent, or out of state entirely, Tennessee’s relocation statute takes effect. These cases move fast, the legal requirements are specific, and the outcome can shape a child’s life. I handle parental relocation matters for clients throughout Williamson County, representing both parents who are seeking to move and parents who are opposing a proposed move.

My practice is dedicated exclusively to family law. Over more than three decades, I’ve worked through thousands of cases, including relocation disputes that required urgent action, careful preparation, and a clear strategy from day one.

If you’ve received a relocation notice or are planning a move, the timeline is short. Call MC Davis Law today at (615) 235-5620 to discuss your situation.

When Tennessee’s Relocation Statute Applies

Tennessee’s Parent Relocation Statute, T.C.A. § 36-6-108, governs any situation where a parent who has court-ordered parenting time wants to move more than 50 miles from the other parent within the state, or outside Tennessee entirely. A move under that threshold, within state lines, generally doesn’t trigger the formal statute, though the terms of your existing parenting plan may still require written notice.

The statute applies to both the primary residential parent and the alternate residential parent, as long as that parent has court-ordered time with the child. Tennessee significantly amended this law in 2018. Cases filed after July 1, 2018, are governed by the updated version, which places the burden of proof on the relocating parent and applies a best-interests-of-the-child standard. Much of the prior case law is no longer controlling under the current statute.

Notice Requirements Under Tennessee Law

The relocating parent must send written notice by registered or certified mail to the other parent’s last known address no later than 60 days before the proposed move date, absent court-approved exceptions for exigent circumstances. That notice must include a statement of intent to move, the location of the proposed new residence, the reasons for the move, and a statement that the non-relocating parent has 30 days from the date notice is sent to file a petition in opposition.

If the other parent doesn’t file within that 30-day window, the relocating parent may generally proceed with the move. If the notice is legally deficient, the court may deny the relocation entirely. And even when a move goes forward without objection, the relocating parent must still petition to modify the parenting time schedule unless both parents reach a written agreement on a new arrangement.

When a Parent Objects: The Court Process

Once a petition in opposition to the move is filed, the relocating parent can’t move with the child without court approval. Under the current statute, the court determines whether relocation is in the best interest of the child, applying the best-interests factors set forth in T.C.A. § 36-6-108(c)(2). This framework replaced the prior approach, which in primary-residential-parent cases had placed the burden on the objecting parent to show the move lacked a reasonable purpose.

If the court denies relocation and the parent moves anyway, the court may transfer custody to the non-relocating parent. The court may also address transportation costs and determine whether a child support modification is appropriate based on those additional expenses.

How Williamson County Courts Evaluate Relocation Requests

Relocation petitions for Williamson County families are heard in the Williamson County Circuit Court or Chancery Court in Franklin, within the 21st Judicial District. Judges weigh a range of best-interests factors under T.C.A. § 36-6-108(c)(2), including:

• The significance and length of the child’s relationship with each parent, siblings, and other important people in the child’s life
• The child’s age, developmental stage, and the physical, educational, and emotional impact of the proposed move
• Whether the non-relocating parent’s relationship can be preserved through a revised parenting time schedule, including the logistics and cost of travel
• The child’s preference, with greater weight given to children age 12 or older
• Whether the relocating parent has historically supported or undermined the child’s relationship with the other parent
• Whether the move would improve the financial, emotional, or educational circumstances of the relocating parent and the child
• Each parent’s stated reasons for supporting or opposing the relocation

The court may also consider alternative arrangements designed to maintain the child’s access to the non-relocating parent. Every factor is evaluated against the specific child and the specific family, not a generic standard.

Representing Parents on Both Sides of a Relocation Dispute

Whether you’ve decided to relocate and need to build a strong best-interests case, or you’ve just received a notice and have 30 days to decide whether to object, I can help you understand your options and move forward with a clear strategy.

For Parents Seeking to Relocate

Early legal guidance helps ensure the notice is properly prepared and that the case presented to the court is built on the right foundation. Relocation timelines are short, and the strength of the notice itself can affect how the proceeding unfolds.

For Parents Opposing a Proposed Move

The 30-day deadline to file a petition in opposition is strict. Missing it can mean losing the right to contest the relocation entirely. Acting quickly can give you the best opportunity to protect your parenting time.

Related Issues in the Same Proceeding

Relocation cases often involve more than the move itself. Related issues, including child support modifications, transportation cost allocation, and a restructured permanent parenting plan, frequently arise in the same proceeding. Because my practice is exclusively family law, I handle all of these issues within a single, coherent representation.

Family Law Experience Focused on Franklin & Williamson County

I began my legal career as an assistant district attorney and have spent over three decades practicing exclusively in family law. Every matter I handle is a family law matter. I’m admitted to the Tennessee bar, a member of the Williamson County Bar Association, and I represent clients throughout Williamson County.

My approach is straightforward: I listen to what my client needs, identify what the law requires, and build a strategy suited to that specific situation. Parental relocation cases aren’t one-size-fits-all, and I don’t treat them that way.

Schedule a Consultation About Your Relocation Matter

If you’re facing a parental relocation situation in Franklin or Williamson County, don’t wait to get legal guidance. Whether you’re planning a move, responding to a relocation notice, or preparing to file a petition in opposition, the earlier you have counsel, the more options you may have.

I offer consultations for parents at every stage of a relocation dispute. Reach out to MC Davis Law to schedule yours.

Call (615) 235-5620 to speak with MC Davis Law about your parental relocation case in Williamson County, TN.