When married parents start the process of divorce or legal separation, a permanent parenting plan will be made a part of the final decree. Unmarried parents can also ask the courts to enact a parenting plan to divide the responsibilities and privileges of parenthood between the mother and the father. This plan is called permanent, but the court keeps jurisdiction over it. That means that the plan can be changed through the court in the future.
Tennessee law allows parents to decide who can and cannot see their children. Parents can even say that grandparents are not allowed to see the children, and the law says that is ok. Courts only grant legal visitation rights to grandparents in certain situations.
When can a grandparent get visitation rights?
Generally, parents have the right to decide the care, custody and control of their own children. With that right comes the responsibility to support those children and raise them to adulthood.
However, problems can arise if the parents do not agree about how to share the rights and responsibilities of parenthood. Depending on whether or not the parents are living together or married, a court may have to get involved.
Below you will find links to resources that provide information about child custody. You can also find links to forms to help you get an expungement without a lawyer, if you're eligible. Some areas of the state have more information than others. You may wish to look at information from other areas as well as your own.
Below you will find links to information about statewide resources for children in Tennessee.
Kid Central
Below you will find links to resources about going to Juvenile Court in Tennessee. Additionally, you can find information on how to seek aid from a lawyer, if needed. Some areas of the state have more information than others. You may wish to look at information from other areas in addition to your own.
This page has information on emancipation, special education, and what to do if your kid is having trouble in school.
Legal Information: Booklets
Emancipation Information
The booklets and contact information below can help you learn about orders of protection. If you are in fear for your safety always call 911.
Legal Information: Booklets
Domestic and Dating Violence Information for East TN
The links below will give you information on getting help with bills and food when you have money trouble.
Statewide Social Services Resources
Department of Human Services (DHS)
Learn about parenting plans in Tennessee and find statewide social services resources to help you navigate parenting. This information can be helpful if you are in a custody battle or getting a divorce.
Booklet:
Family Problems - Parental Planning
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