Tennessee Parenting Plan - part 2

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.

Can a child choose not to visit a parent? The mere age of your child will not determine your family law matter. There have been cases before the Court where a 17 year old child's wishes were given limited weight because the basis for this child's decision was not balanced.

Tennessee Code on Parental Restrictions, Unfit Parents The parent has engaged in willful abandonment that continues for an extended period of time. Physical or sexual abuse or a pattern of emotional abuse of the parent, child, or of another person in the home has occurred.

A parent may also be unfit if he or she shows a lack of responsibility for, concern about or interest in the child's welfare. In Tennessee, if the Court finds grounds and finds that it is in the best interest of the children, it will terminate parental rights, clearing one of the major hurdles to your adoption.

Although a child can never decide issues relating to custody or visitation, Tennessee law requires a court to consider the wishes of a child over the age of 12 when making visitation related decisions.

In cases where parents can't agree, a judge will decide visitation and custody based on the child's best interests.Both parents are bound by the terms of a custody order. If your child refuses to go to visits with the other parent, you could still be on the hook for failing to comply with a custody order.

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.

50/50 schedules can benefit a child because the child spends substantial time living with both parents. This allows him or her to build a close relationship with both parents, and to feel cared for by both parents. 50/50 schedules work best when: The parents live fairly close to each other, so exchanges are easier.

The following schedules can also work for a toddler: Alternating every 2 days schedule where your toddler alternates spending 2 days with each parent. 5-2 schedule where your toddler spends 5 days with one parent and 2 days with the other parent. You may want to include midweek visits with this schedule.