Tennessee Proposed Parenting Plan

State:
Tennessee
Control #:
TN-10010
Format:
Word; 
Rich Text
Instant download

Definition and meaning

The Tennessee Proposed Parenting Plan is a legal document used in custody cases to outline the parenting arrangement for a child following a divorce or separation. This plan specifies the responsibilities and rights of each parent regarding the child's residential schedule, decision-making processes, and transportation arrangements. It aims to ensure that both parents have a clear understanding of their roles and the best interests of the child are prioritized.

How to complete a form

To fill out the Tennessee Proposed Parenting Plan, follow these steps:

  1. Start by filling in the names of the Petitioner and Respondent, along with the case number and county.
  2. Detail the child or children involved, including their names and birthdates.
  3. Outline the residential parenting schedule, specifying time allocations for each parent.
  4. Clearly define decision-making responsibilities for day-to-day and major decisions.
  5. List the holiday schedule and include any transportation arrangements needed for exchanging the child.
  6. Sign the document in front of a notary public if required.

Make sure all parties review the plan before submission to ensure agreement on the outlined terms.

Who should use this form

This form is intended for parents in Tennessee who are involved in custody disputes or separations. It is specifically designed for those who wish to create a structured plan that governs the parenting time and responsibilities over their child or children. If you are separating from your partner and need to establish legal custody arrangements, this form is suitable for you.

Key components of the form

The Tennessee Proposed Parenting Plan consists of several key components that ensure clarity and mutual understanding:

  • Residential parenting schedule: Specifies the living arrangements and visitation times for each parent.
  • Decision-making authority: Clarifies who will make decisions regarding the child's education, health, and extracurricular activities.
  • Transportation arrangements: Outlines how and where the child will be exchanged between parents.
  • Rights of parents: Lists the entitlements of each parent, including communication and participation in school activities.

These components work together to create a comprehensive plan that serves the best interests of the child.

State-specific requirements

In Tennessee, the Proposed Parenting Plan must comply with specific state guidelines. It should include appropriate details as outlined in Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) § 36-6-101, which governs parenting plans. These requirements include providing a detailed schedule for visitation, making clear provisions for decision-making responsibilities, and outlining parental rights. Furthermore, both parents must sign the plan in the presence of a notary public if it's proposed by one party or agreed upon by both.

Common mistakes to avoid when using this form

When completing the Tennessee Proposed Parenting Plan, be mindful to avoid common errors such as:

  • Failing to include all relevant details about the child, including birthdates and special needs.
  • Not aligning the residential schedule with holidays or special occasions.
  • Overlooking the requirement for notarization when necessary.
  • Using vague language that could lead to misunderstandings between parents.

By carefully reviewing the plan and ensuring all sections are filled out accurately, you can prevent disputes in the future.

What to expect during notarization or witnessing

When finalizing the Tennessee Proposed Parenting Plan, notarization is a critical step if the plan is proposed by one parent. During this process:

  • Both parents must sign the document in front of a licensed notary public.
  • The notary will verify the identities of both signers and ensure they are signing voluntarily.
  • The notary will then stamp the document, adding an official seal that confirms its authenticity.

Witnessing is often not required but can provide additional assurance of the agreement's validity.

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FAQ

Divorcing parents must each submit a proposed plan. This is optional in other types of custody cases (unless the judge orders it), but recommended so the judge understands your wishes when deciding the details of your court-ordered plan.

Under Tennessee law, the parents must follow the PPP, and if they do not, they can be held in contempt of court. Some serious PPP violations that might warrant getting the court involved include: Frequent noncompliance with visitation changes. A chronic pattern of picking up or returning the children early or late.

Whenever each parent cares for and houses their child 50 percent of the time, an equal parenting agreement is in place. Under equal parenting agreements, or 50/50 custody, parenting time is divided between the two parents ing to the parenting plan, and residential time itself is equally distributed.

When can my child decide which parent to live with? Under Tennessee statute, the court shall consider the reasonable preference of the child over the age of 12. The court may choose to hear the preference of a child under the age of 12.

Tennessee child custody laws allow for joint custody and grandparents' visitation rights while taking into account the child's own wishes when considering custody decisions. In fact, Tennessee courts are required to state, in writing, why ordering joint or sole legal custody is in the best interest of the child.

Parents who can reach an agreement on custody can submit a joint parenting plan to the court. When parents can't agree on parenting responsibilities, each parent should submit his or her own parenting plan to the court at least 45 days before trial. See TN Code § 36-6-404 (2020).

Only a Tennessee court can legally modify and enforce a parenting plan.

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Tennessee Proposed Parenting Plan