Lawyer for Child Custody Cases in Germantown, TN
Your kids are everything. Protect your relationship with them.
Our lawyers for child custody cases help parents in Germantown and across Shelby County protect their relationship with their children. With 37 years of family law experience, David Waldrop knows Tennessee custody law inside and out—and he knows how to fight for parents who deserve to be heard.
What Kind of Custody Cases Do We Handle?
Whether you’re going through a divorce, splitting from a co-parent, or trying to change an order that’s no longer working, we can help. As lawyers for child custody cases, we assist families in Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, Cordova, and throughout the Memphis metro with:
- Initial custody orders—establishing a parenting plan that works for your family from the start
- Contested custody disputes—when you and the other parent can’t agree, and a judge needs to decide
- Custody modifications—returning to court when life has changed and the current arrangement no longer fits
- Relocation matters—when one parent wants to move and the other parent objects
Every situation is different. What they all have in common is that the outcome matters—a lot. That’s why having the right lawyer makes such a difference.
How Tennessee Courts Decide Custody
Tennessee judges don’t choose sides. They look at one thing: what’s best for the child.
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-6-106, courts weigh a detailed list of factors—each parent’s relationship with the child, the stability of each home, work schedules, the child’s ties to their school and community, and whether each parent is willing to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
That last factor matters more than most people expect. Judges in Shelby County notice when a parent is being cooperative—and when they’re not.
Knowing how to present your situation clearly and honestly, in a way that speaks to what a judge actually cares about, is where an experienced custody attorney earns their place.
Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody—What's the Difference?
A lot of parents come to us unsure what “custody” actually means legally. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Legal custody
Legal custody is about decision-making—who gets a say in the big choices like schooling, medical care, and religious upbringing. Courts often share this between both parents.
Physical custody
Physical custody (Tennessee calls it the parenting schedule) is about where your child lives day to day and when. One parent is usually named the primary residential parent, with the other having scheduled parenting time.
Parenting plans
Parenting plans spell out all the details—holidays, school pickups, how parents communicate, what happens when schedules change. Tennessee requires one in every custody case. A well-drafted plan prevents future conflict. A poorly drafted one creates it.
What Can Hurt You in a Custody Case
After 37 years of handling custody cases, David has seen the same mistakes come up again and again. Not from bad parents—just from people who didn’t know what the court was watching for.
Making it about the other parent. The more your case is built around how bad the other person is, the less it’s focused on what kind of parent you are. Judges see through this quickly—and it usually backfires.
Letting communication break down. Hostile texts, ignored messages, refusing to co-parent—these create a record that follows you into the courtroom. Courts expect both parents to cooperate, even when it’s hard.
Moving without notice. If you’re planning to relocate, Tennessee has strict rules. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-6-108, you’re required to give written notice at least 60 days before moving more than 50 miles away or out of state—and the other parent has the right to object. Skipping this step can seriously damage your case.
Letting an informal arrangement become the default. Courts look at what’s actually been happening with your child. The longer an unofficial schedule goes on, the harder it is to change.
When the Current Order Isn't Working
Some of the parents who come to us aren’t in the middle of a divorce. They’re months or years past one—and something has changed.
A new job. A move. A co-parent who’s stopped following the plan. A child whose needs have shifted. These are all real reasons to go back to court.
To modify a custody order in Tennessee, you’ll need to show that there’s been a material change in circumstances since the last order was entered. Once that’s established, the court looks again at what arrangement is best for the child.
We help parents in Germantown and across Shelby County build that case—and make it clearly.
Why Families in Germantown Choose The Waldrop Firm
David Waldrop has practiced family law in this community for 37 years. Before he was an attorney, he was a Germantown firefighter. He’s not an outsider who showed up to open a practice—he’s been part of this community for decades, and he understands the families he serves.
When you’re looking for lawyers for child custody cases in Germantown, you want someone who knows the local courts, handles your case personally, and gives you straight answers. That’s what we do.
We handle child custody alongside divorce, child support, and the full range of family law matters that often come with it.
Real Stories, Real Peace of Mind
Our clients trust us to protect their legacies and their loved ones. Read first hand how we’ve helped clients create plans that secure their family’s future.
Common Questions About Hiring a Lawyer for a Child Custody Case
What is the biggest mistake in a custody case?
Focusing on what the other parent did wrong instead of what you’re doing right. Tennessee courts care about one thing: your child’s wellbeing. Parents who come in with a clear, child-centered case consistently do better than those whose strategy is built on grievances.
Do I need a lawyer for child custody?
You’re not required to have one—but parenting plans are binding legal documents that are genuinely hard to change once finalized. A mistake made at the start can affect your relationship with your child for years. A free consultation costs you nothing.
What should I look for in a child custody lawyer?
Someone who focuses on family law, knows your local courts, and will handle your case personally—not pass it off. You also want someone who communicates clearly, so you’re never left wondering what’s happening.
Talk to a Lawyer Who Knows What's at Stake
You don’t have to have everything figured out before you reach out. Most parents who call us are still in the middle of trying to understand their situation—and that’s exactly the right time to get clear on where you stand.
The consultation is free. David will listen, tell you honestly what you’re dealing with, and help you understand your options.
