Parenting plans play a crucial role in establishing guidelines and regulations for parents or guardians who share custody of their children. These plans are typically created during divorce proceedings, after separation, or when unmarried parents decide to separate. While the process of separation or divorce can be emotionally challenging, a well-crafted parenting plan can help reduce conflicts and promote stability for both parents and children.
The Significance of Parenting Plans
Parenting plans are essential to ensure that all parties involved in the separation or divorce can reach agreements on the most critical parenting issues. These include creating time-sharing schedules, determining transportation arrangements, assigning responsibility for medical check-ups, and allocating holiday and summer break time. Additionally, parenting plans can outline how parents intend to navigate disagreements in the future as they continue to co-parent.
When creating a parenting plan, it is vital for parents to prioritize the best interests of their children over their own desires. By crafting a well-thought-out plan, parents can minimize tension and stress while making decisions regarding their child’s upbringing in a separated or divorced family. Furthermore, such a plan provides a sense of predictability and consistency for both parents and children, ensuring everyone knows what to expect.
The Tennessee Law Perspective on Parenting Plans
Under Tennessee law, parenting plans are legally binding agreements that require court approval. Once drafted, a proposed parenting plan must be submitted to the court along with the divorce or separation settlement for review, ensuring compliance with the state’s legal requirements. The court may request revisions or suggest mediation sessions for parents to resolve any disputes that arise within the parenting plan.
Tennessee courts consider the "best interest of the child" doctrine when determining parenting plans. This means that the court evaluates what arrangements and schedules will be in the best interests of the children involved.
Contents of a Parenting Plan in Tennessee
In Tennessee, a parenting plan typically covers the following aspects:
Decision-Making Responsibility
The parenting plan should address which parent has the legal authority to make important decisions concerning the child’s education, medical and dental care, and other matters that affect the child’s general well-being.
Time-Sharing Schedule
The time-sharing schedule is a critical element of a parenting plan as it outlines where the child will primarily reside and establishes visitation schedules for both parents. It includes details about how visitations will take place, which holidays will be spent with each parent, and guidelines for dividing summer breaks.
Internal Dispute Resolution
It is crucial to include a section in the parenting plan detailing how parents will resolve disputes related to child-rearing. This may involve utilizing a mediator, counselor, or scheduled meetings between both parents.
Relocation
Proper relocation rules and commitments should be included in the parenting plan. Tennessee law requires each parent to provide written notice at least 60 days in advance before relocating outside of Tennessee or beyond 50 miles from their current residence.
Other Important Details
Additional vital details that should be incorporated into parenting plans include transportation arrangements, obligations regarding the child’s expenses, the role of grandparents or other family members in the child’s life, and the integration of religious beliefs or practices in the child’s upbringing.
Conclusion
Parenting plans serve as a crucial aspect of divorce or separation proceedings for parents with children. By establishing these plans, parents can formalize their rights and responsibilities, reducing conflicts over custody and visitation while providing a sense of security to everyone involved. Parents contemplating divorce or separation should strongly consider enlisting the help of a Tennessee family law attorney to assist with creating an effective parenting plan that meets the unique needs of their children.