Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act is followed in Tennessee for child custody. According to the act, joint custody and visitation rights to grandparents are allowed in Tennessee.
In Tennessee, child custody laws emphasize more on a child’s own choices and preferences when making a child custody decision. If parents cannot agree to a mutual child custody agreement, the family courts of Tennessee hold the authority to decide on child custody, care, and control. The court can award the “custody” to any of the parents or both parents. However, to make any decision, the child’s best interests will be the prime consideration. The court also requires, in writing, why physical custody is in the best of child’s interests.
Child’s decision on Custody:
The child custody laws in Tennessee statute states that the courts consider a child’s preference over custody issues if the child is over the age of 12.
Besides, the court also considers factors including:
- Relationship of each parent with the child
- Which parent is the primary caregiver to the daily developmental needs of the child
- Which parent facilitates and supports the healthy relationship of the child with other parents
- Each parent’s history and ability to provide accommodation, food, clothes, health, education, and emotional support to the child
- Each parent’s history of any emotional or physical abuse
- The character of any other person residing in the parent’s home
Note: Laws modifies with time. Hence it is always better to consult or hire an experienced attorney for child custody laws in Tennessee.
Rights of a non-custodial parent
Following are some of the rights of a non-custodial parent in Tennessee
- At least two unrestricted phone calls in a week
- Contact via mail, which another parent may not censor
- Right to be informed as soon as possible (within 24 hours) in emergency cases like serious illness, accident, or hospitalization
- Direct access to child’s school records
- Right to get informed about medical records
- The right to receive a detailed itinerary in case of the other parent and the child is leaving the state for more than 2 days.
- Access and right to participation in child’s educational and other related activities