(901) 578-1515

Case In Juvenile Court?

Shelby County Juvenile Court is unlike any other court in Tennessee.

The first thing you need to do is call (901) 578-1515 and schedule a free consultation. The stakes are immediate, personal, and often life-altering. We represent parents and guardians in Memphis and throughout Shelby County who need counsel that understands how Juvenile Court actually works—not just the statutes, but the judges, procedures, and pressure points that decide cases.

At Balestrini, Barnes, Jaber & Wood, PLLC, we focus on protecting parental rights, preserving families when possible, and aggressively defending our clients when the State intervenes. We know the system, we know the players, and we know how to move cases forward with purpose.

We handle all major Juvenile Court matters, including custody, dependency and neglect, delinquency, and termination of parental rights. Our approach is direct, strategic, and results-driven—because in Juvenile Court, delay and indecision cost families everything.

Custody

Custody cases in Juvenile Court are often driven by urgency, allegations, and incomplete information. We represent parents seeking custody, responding to custody petitions, or modifying existing custody orders. We cut through the noise, focus the court on the facts that matter, and advocate for custody arrangements that serve the child’s best interests while protecting parental rights.

Dependency and Neglect

Dependency and neglect proceedings place families under a microscope and can quickly spiral toward removal or termination if mishandled. We represent parents accused of abuse or neglect and parents working toward reunification. From the initial protective custody hearing through adjudication, disposition, and review hearings, we hold the State to its burden, enforce due process, and push for realistic, lawful permanency plans—not boilerplate outcomes.

Delinquency

Delinquency cases can follow a child for years if they are not handled correctly from the start. We represent juveniles at every stage of delinquency proceedings, including detention hearings, adjudications, and disposition hearings. Our focus is protecting the child’s rights, limiting court involvement, and positioning the case so the child can **move forward** without unnecessary long-term consequences.

Termination of Parental Rights

Termination of parental rights is the most extreme power Juvenile Court possesses. These cases demand precision, preparation, and a deep understanding of both the law and the court’s expectations. We represent parents facing termination petitions and treat these cases with the seriousness they deserve. We challenge unsupported allegations, expose procedural failures, and present a disciplined, evidence-based defense aimed at preserving the parent-child relationship.

Juvenile Court leaves no room for mistakes. Do not fumble your case. Call (901) 578-1515 today for a free consultation and get experienced counsel involved before it’s too late.