In cases involving unmarried parents, legal and physical custody default to the child's mother when there is no court order. An unmarried father must file a petition in court to establish their rights. Once they do that, then the court can address child custody rights in a parenting plan.
Beginning July 1, 2024, there will be a new legal presumption in Tennessee that joint legal custody or equal parenting time schedules are in the child's best interest. This comes from the recently passed Senate Bill 1690.
Child Custody and Support - As introduced, establishes a presumption, rebuttable by a preponderance of the evidence, that joint legal custody and equally shared parenting time is in the best interest of the child; removes the presumption under certain circumstances. - Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 6.
These are some mistakes you're going to want to be mindful to avoid. TALKING BADLY ABOUT THE OTHER PARENT TO THE CHILD. FAILING TO TAKE ON CHALLENGING TASKS. NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE OTHER PARENT. TRYING TO MAKE YOUR CHILDREN FEEL SORRY FOR YOU. PREVENTING THE OTHER PARENT'S ACCESS TO THE CHILDREN.
To modify child custody, parents must prove that a change in circumstances has a substantial impact on their children's welfare and that the condition did not exist when the judge initially decided custody. A material change can take many forms—like a parent receiving a job offer in a different state, for instance.
The petition needs to be filed in a court in the county where either the child, mother or father live. Once the petition is filed, the court will require either a DNA test or a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity by a potential father.
Tennessee doesn't have a 50/50 shared custody presumption. This means that some critics believe the state tends to lean in favor of the mother when it comes to custody orders. But if both parents are equally competent and capable, courts should grant equal custody to both parents.
It is a confidential service. The Tennessee Safe Haven law allows mothers of newborns to surrender unharmed babies to designated facilities within two weeks of birth without fear of being prosecuted.
The petition must include evidence and can only be filed by the child's guardian ad litem, prospective adoptive parents, licensed child placement agency, extended family, or the department of child services. A Tennessee court will recognize the legal standing of these parties to move forward with the process.