In Tennessee, parents that are no longer going to be in the same home are required to have in place a Permanent Parenting Plan (PPP) that names one parent the Primary Residential Parent (PRP) and the other parent the Alternate Residential Parent (ARP). The Permanent Parenting Plan shall include a residential schedule for each child. According to the Tennessee law, if the parents do not agree on a division of parenting time and the Court’s are making the Permanent Parenting Plan, the court will consider the following factors:
- Parent’s ability to instruct, inspire, and encourage the child(ren) to prepare for a life of service.
- The strength, nature, and stability of the child(ren)’s relationship with each parent.
- Willingness of each parent to encourage a close and continuing parent-child(ren) relationship.
- Disposition of each parent to provide for the child(ren) with food, clothing, medical care, and education.
- The degree to which a parent has been the primary caregiver.
- Emotional needs and developmental level of the child(ren).
- Evidence of physical or emotional abuse to the child(ren).
- The character and behavior of any other person residing in or frequents the home of a parent.
- The preference of the child(ren) if twelve (12) years of age or older.
- Each parent’s employment schedule.
If you and the other parent agree on a division of parenting time, you need to find the best attorney that can help you navigate through filling out a Permanent Parenting Plan to be filed with the Court. Even if you and the other parent do not agree on a division of parenting time, our office can help you work through the tough issue of developing a Permanent Parenting Plan that is in the best interest of the child(ren).