If you are going through a divorce or separation in Nashville, Tennessee and children are involved, a parenting plan is almost certainly part of the picture. A parenting plan is a written document that spells out how two parents will share the responsibilities and time with their child after they are no longer living together.
Tennessee law treats parenting plans seriously, and Nashville courts expect them to be detailed and workable — not just a rough agreement between two people. Understanding what goes into one, and whether you are required to have one, can help you avoid costly mistakes early in the process.
This article explains the basics of parenting plans under Tennessee family law, what Nashville parents typically need to include, and what to do if you need help putting one together.
What Exactly Is a Parenting Plan in Tennessee?
A parenting plan is a legally binding document that outlines custody arrangements, decision-making responsibilities, and a parenting schedule after parents separate or divorce. In Tennessee, state law requires a permanent parenting plan to be filed in any divorce or custody case involving minor children. It is not optional — it is a legal requirement.
The plan tells the court and both parents exactly how day-to-day parenting will work. It covers who the child lives with, how holidays are divided, how parents will communicate, and who makes major decisions about education, healthcare, and religion.
Tennessee also uses a specific form approved by the state courts, so the document has a required structure. An attorney familiar with Nashville family court can help make sure your plan meets all formatting and content requirements.
Is a Parenting Plan Required in Nashville, Tennessee?
Yes — in virtually every case involving minor children, Tennessee law requires a permanent parenting plan to be approved by the court before a divorce or custody order can be finalized. This applies whether the parents were married or not.
Even if both parents agree on everything, a judge in Davidson County must review and approve the plan. A verbal agreement between parents is not enough. The court needs a written, signed document on file.
If parents cannot agree, the court may order mediation, or a judge will issue a parenting plan after a hearing. Either way, a plan will exist — it is just a question of whether parents shape it themselves or leave it to a judge.
What Does a Parenting Plan in Nashville Need to Include?
Tennessee's required parenting plan form covers several specific areas, and leaving sections incomplete can delay your case. There are generally 5 core elements the court expects to see addressed.
- Primary residential parent: which parent the child primarily lives with
- Parenting schedule: a detailed calendar showing where the child spends each day, including weekdays, weekends, and school breaks
- Holiday and vacation schedule: how specific holidays, school breaks, and vacations are divided each year
- Decision-making authority: who makes major decisions about education, medical care, extracurricular activities, and religious upbringing
- Child support: a calculation based on Tennessee's Income Shares model, which takes both parents' incomes into account
The plan should also address how parents will resolve future disagreements and how changes to the schedule will be handled. An attorney can confirm the specific rules that apply to your case.
How Is Parenting Time Divided Under Tennessee Law?
Tennessee law does not automatically favor one parent over the other when it comes to parenting time. Courts in Nashville look at what arrangement best serves the child's interests, considering factors like each parent's work schedule, the child's school location, and the existing relationship between the child and each parent.
Equal parenting time — sometimes called a 50/50 split — is one option, but it is not automatic. Many plans give one parent more overnight time than the other, depending on the family's circumstances.
The specific parenting schedule that works in one Nashville family may not work in another. A local family law attorney can help you think through a realistic schedule before you file anything with the court.
Can Parents Create Their Own Parenting Plan Without a Lawyer?
Parents can draft their own parenting plan, but there are real risks to doing it without legal guidance. Tennessee's required form has specific sections that must be completed correctly, and a plan that is vague or incomplete may be rejected by the court or create problems down the road.
Common issues with self-drafted plans include unclear holiday language, missing provisions for out-of-state travel, and child support calculations that do not follow Tennessee's guidelines. These gaps can lead to disputes later — or require going back to court to modify the plan.
Getting at least a consultation with a Nashville family law attorney before finalizing your plan is a practical step that many parents find worthwhile.
What Happens If Parents Disagree on the Parenting Plan?
If parents cannot reach an agreement, a Tennessee court will step in and decide the terms of the parenting plan based on the best interests of the child. Davidson County family courts handle these disputes regularly.
Before reaching a judge, many Nashville parents are required to attempt mediation. A neutral mediator helps both sides work toward a plan they can both accept, which often leads to a faster and less expensive resolution than a full court hearing.
If mediation fails, the case goes before a judge who will review evidence, consider each parent's circumstances, and issue a court-ordered parenting plan. Parents have less control over the outcome at that stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parenting Plans in Nashville
These are some of the questions Nashville parents ask most often when they are first learning about parenting plans under Tennessee law.
Can a parenting plan be changed after it is approved?
Yes, a parenting plan can be modified, but a parent generally must show a material change in circumstances since the original plan was entered. Courts do not approve changes simply because one parent prefers different terms.
Do unmarried parents in Nashville need a parenting plan?
Yes — Tennessee requires a parenting plan any time a court is establishing custody, regardless of whether the parents were ever married. If paternity has been established and custody is being decided, a plan is required.
How long does it take to get a parenting plan approved in Nashville?
The timeline varies depending on whether parents agree or disagree. An uncontested plan where both parents agree can sometimes be approved in a matter of weeks, while contested cases that go to a hearing can take several months.
Does the child get a say in the parenting plan?
In Tennessee, a child's preference may be considered by the court, particularly as the child gets older, but it is only one factor. A judge weighs the child's stated preference alongside many other best-interest factors.
If you are a Nashville parent trying to work through a parenting plan — whether you are just starting a divorce, dealing with a contested custody situation, or looking to modify an existing plan — FindCounselNow can connect you with an independent, licensed Tennessee family law attorney for a free case review. There is no obligation, and speaking with a local lawyer is one of the most straightforward ways to understand your options.