Creating a Tennesseee Parenting Plan: Working and Getting Along

Creating a Tennessee Parenting Plan: Working and Getting Along with the Other Parent.

As of 2001, creating a parenting plan is legally required for any Tennessee couple seeking a divorce in which children are involved. According to The Tennessee Parenting Plan Law, §36-6-401, a parenting plan must address a number of items, including where the child will sleep and when, each parent’s individual responsibilities, and much more. Once a parenting plan is approved, only then will a Tennessee court grant an official divorce.

Unfortunately, getting along with an ex-husband or wife may not be easy for some individuals, and thus creating a parenting plan can be very difficult. A Memphis divorce lawyer at the Miles Mason Family Law Group can assist clients who are working to create such a plan and working through other aspects of the divorce. 

Requirements of a Parenting Plan 

The Tennessee Parenting Plan Law was enacted to encourage divorcing spouses to work together and to look out for the best interests of any children involved. The law outlines several issues that must be addressed in each parenting plan before they can receive approval by the courts.

According to Tennessee law, the plan must address: 

• number of days the child will spend with each parent;
• schedule of days and times when each parent will care for the child;
• child’s holiday and school vacation care schedule;
• transportation arrangements for the child;
• details regarding any supervised parenting time;
• which parent will make major life decisions on behalf of the child;
• who will pay child support and how much;
• who will provide the child’s health, life and dental insurance; and
• how disagreements will be handled. 

The Tennessee State Courts website provides forms that parents can use when creating a parenting plan. Additionally, they are also required to complete a parent education class before submitting the plan for approval. 

Getting Along with an Ex-Husband While Creating a Parenting Plan 

Creating this plan can be difficult, especially if getting along with an ex-husband or wife is a struggle. Fortunately, there are a few tips you can follow that may help you and your former spouse work together more smoothly to create successful parenting plan.

Tips for getting along with an ex-husband or wife when creating a parenting plan include: 

• Stay focused on your child. While you may be angry or resentful at the moment, remember the parenting plan is ultimately for the health and wellbeing of your children, not for you or your spouse.
• Approach the process in a businesslike manner. Take your personal relationship out of the equation, and consider the process a business-related task.
• Listen, and ask his or her opinion. Keep lines of communication open and don’t shut each other down. You need a parenting plan that works for both of you plus your children.
• Be willing to compromise. If you come into the discussion expecting to get your way on every issue, the process will probably be slow and contentious. Give in on certain items and your ex might return the favor.
• Show restraint. After years together, you likely know how to push each other’s buttons. Try to be as cordial as possible, and avoid making your ex angry or defensive. Similarly, if your ex tries to incite you, rise above it and keep the discussions on track. 

To learn more, see Parenting Plans in Tennessee.

Contact Divorce Lawyer Miles Mason in Memphis

Are you currently going through a divorce? Call 901-683-1850 to speak to a Memphis divorce lawyer at the Miles Mason Family Law Group today. We can help you fight for custody and assist in creating a parenting plan.