Permanent Parenting Plans for Joint Custody in Tennessee

Seeking joint custody? You don’t have to rely on the courts to do this; a parenting plan can help both parents work out the details. If you have questions concerning this type of plan or how TN divorce laws can impact child custody, contact Memphis divorce lawyer Miles Mason.

Overall, divorce rates in Tennessee have decreased, according to the U.S. Census Bureau: 

• 32,300 in 1990;
• 33,800 in 2000; and
• 25,800 in 2009.

Whatever the number, though, at the heart of the issue for many couples is what happens to the children in a divorce. One way to address the care of a child is through a parenting plan.

Establishing a Parenting Plan 

The following are some of the issues that can be established in a parenting plan: 

• parental responsibilities;
• residential schedule; and
• allocation of child support.

Although all of these are vital factors to be included, perhaps the most contested is the residential schedule.

The residential schedule establishes where the child will reside on any given day and also includes: 

• vacations;
• birthdays;
• holidays; and
• other special occasions.

Memphis Shared Parenting, Joint Custody 

One parent might end up being the primary residential parent, but with joint custody both are involved in the day-to-day decisions that are made whenever the child is in their care. What’s more, joint legal custody allows both parents to make important decisions as to the child’s religion, healthcare, and more.

If you can’t decide who will be the primary parent, the courts can do this for you. A number of factors will be taken into consideration when making this decision in the child’s best interests.

Shared parenting (joint custody), can be a great way to make sure the child is able to stay connected and actively engaged with both parents. By working together and coming up with a workable plan, it may also lessen the stress the child may experience in a divorce.

Consulting a Memphis Divorce Lawyer 

Contact a divorce attorney at the Miles Mason Family Law Group, PLC to learn about your rights. Our law firm serves residents in Memphis, Collierville, Germantown, along with areas in Eastern Arkansas and West Tennessee. To help prepare for your case, download our free eBook, Your First Steps: 7 Steps Planning Your Tennessee Divorce. Call us today at 901-683-1850 to discuss parenting plans and child custody.