Children are the precious product of a marriage, so parenting issues are some of the most emotionally difficult issues that arise when marriages fail. Spouses may divorce each other, but will be parents forever. The highs and lows of parenting will continue long after a divorce is concluded, and future parenting success will depend on how the parents’ attorneys handle a parenting dispute.
Resolving the issues of child custody primarily involves determining who will be the Primary Residential Parent (whose residence will determine the children’s school zone), what the day-to-day co-parenting schedule will be, how the family will divide time during the holidays and school vacations, and how decision-making should be established. Those issues are all outlined in a Permanent Parenting Plan Order. You can download a copy of the Tennessee Permanent Parenting Plan here.
Our highly skilled child custody attorneys can advise you regarding creative parenting schedules that will work for your family’s particular needs—taking into account work schedules, children’s school and activity schedules, the developmental needs of your children, and other logistical considerations.
The law in Tennessee surrounding child custody, whether in the context of a divorce or when unmarried parents decide to co-parent separately, directs the court to base its determination on the best interest of the child(ren). The Tennessee child custody factors include: the child’s relationship with each parent; who has served as the primary caregiver for the child’s daily needs; capacity and track record for facilitating and encouraging a strong relationship with the other parent; history and ability to provide food, shelter, clothing, education, and health care; emotional ties with the child; emotional and developmental needs of the child; the moral, physical, mental, and emotional fitness of the parents; interaction with siblings, relatives, and others with whom the child interacts; continuity and length of time the child has lived a stable life; evidence of physical and emotional abuse; the character of any other person who resides in the home of a parent; parents’ work schedules; and any other factors the court considers relevant.
If you have children and are contemplating a divorce it is crucial to talk to a capable child custody attorney as soon as possible. Call our office to schedule a consultation.
During your consultation, we will give you a clear idea of what may lie ahead, and help you to better understand how you can achieve your goals with minimal impact to your children. You will have the opportunity to ask us questions and together we can begin creating a plan that is as unique as your family.
