How Can a Tennessee Mom Be Awarded Primary Residential Parent?

Wondering how can a mother be awarded primary residential parent status? To better prepare yourself for a custody battle, you might want to consult a family law attorney in Shelby County, Tennessee.

Obtaining Sole Legal and Physical Custody of Children – Tennessee Calls This Primary Residential Parent Status 

In the state of Tennessee, neither parent is automatically awarded primary residential parent.  Tennessee law encourages parents to work together to create a parenting plan, but in the event that fails, the Court will designate parenting time and primary residential parent.  For more detail, please see Tennessee Child Custody Laws in Divorce Answers to FAQs.  In Tennessee law, only rarely will a father be excluded from a child’s life.

Generally, the only way to terminate a father’s parental rights is to prove the father is unfit, incompetent, and/or at risk of either harming the children or exposing them to harm. You will need to have specific examples and evidence to back up your claims.

Although there are many scenarios in which a mother could get exclusive custody, one example is a father who has a history of crime causing bodily injury and/or long-term incarceration. Another example is showing the father has a history of drug addiction or domestic violence.

When the courts make a decision about custody, their primary purpose is always ensuring the best interests of the child. So if it believes a child is at risk of emotional or physical harm from the father, then a mother might get exclusive custody, despite the fact that a mother must work full-time.

Keep in mind that he may try to counter your accusations with his own, such as saying you can’t possibly balance your job and the children. Single working mothers seeking custody may benefit from having legal representation on their side.

Seeking Help from a Family Law Attorney in Shelby County, Tennessee 

Figuring out how to be designated primary residential parent of your child is something you may not have time to research adequately if you are a working mother. Contact an attorney at the Miles Mason Family Law Group at (901) 683-1850 to learn how you can protect the best interests of your child, along with your rights as a mother. We can help navigate this difficult process and help answer the question, “How can a mother be awarded primary residential parent?”