Judge grants absolute divorce, names mother primary custodian and keeps father—s visitation supervised

A Cheatham County judge on Monday granted an absolute divorce in Butler v. Butler, named the wife as the child—s primary residential parent and kept the father—s parenting time supervised while ordering the marital home sold and proceeds divided.

The judge said the evidence "warrants the awarding [the wife] an absolute divorce on the grounds of inappropriate marital conduct" and cited testimony and criminal records describing physical and emotional abuse.

The ruling matters because it sets custody and visitation rules, orders a sale of the family home and allocates specific property that will affect both parents— finances and the child—s living arrangements. The court also left the door open for the father to seek a change once his pending criminal matters are resolved.

In the ruling the judge noted multiple factors the court must weigh in custody cases…