Establishing Fair Co-Parenting in Your Tennessee Parenting Plan

A TN parenting plan is not only critical in helping protect children in a divorce, but creating one is the law. The idea behind the plan is to get both parents to work together, thinking primarily about the best interests of the child. It will establish with which parent the child will spend time and when, among other important issues.

An Overview of the TN Parenting Plan 

The Tennessee Parenting Plan law went into effect on January 1, 2001. This program provides everything necessary to decide what is best for the children.

The TN parenting plan should aim to: 

• preserve family relationships;
• make the process easier for children;
• allow both parents to contribute financial and emotional support;
• reduce conflict and encourage cooperation between the parents;
• allow both parents to make important decisions (education, medical care, religion); and
• consider the future parenting of children. 

Co-parenting can be a stressful, frustrating and difficult process if there is conflict or if both parents are not in agreement regarding certain parenting issues. The TN parenting plan works to reduce or hopefully eliminate that stress by coming to agreement on important issues.

Components of a Parenting Plan 

There are various components that will make up a plan. Some are more common than others. For instance, you will likely work out the time that the child will spend with each parent.

A parenting plan will usually include three different schedules. The first is where the child will live during the week and weekends. Another is a holiday schedule (birthdays, Christmas, etc.), and the third pertains to vacations (school breaks and family vacation time).

Another component to a parenting plan will be rules or guidelines concerning the raising of the children. For instance, before one parent makes a decision regarding a major issue in the children’s lives (such as the school the children will attend), it should be discussed with the other parent.

Oftentimes parenting plans will include an outline of child support and how certain other expenses will be handled. An example would be payment of orthodontic work or other major expenses affecting the child’s health and wellbeing.

Benefits of Co-Parenting 

The main idea behind the TN parenting plan is to foster co-parenting, which brings with it many benefits.

One benefit is that it can help stabilize the children’s lives. Divorces can be extremely trying for children, but it can be much easier when there is some sense of stability and consistency.

Another benefit is that children may feel much more secure when their parents are working together. They may not feel caught in the middle or believe they have to choose sides.

Finally, co-parenting is a healthy example for children to follow. It can help them navigate challenges in their own relationships.

Of course, this means being able to set aside your personal feelings about your ex and focusing instead on what is best for the children. Working with the other parent can go a long way in making the divorce process easier for everyone to handle, including you!

For more information, see Tennessee Parenting Plan, Primary Residential Parent & Divorce Law.

Seeking Help from a Family Law Attorney Representing Clients Living in Bartlett, TN

Parenting plans can be done without legal help. However, it is often a good idea to work with an attorney when dealing with issues of child custody or support. This way you can make sure that everyone’s interests are considered and protected.

Bartlett residents can set up a consultation with a family law attorney at the Miles Mason Family Law Group by calling 901-683-1850. Contact an attorney today for help creating your TN parenting plan.