Mandy Hancock discusses how parenting plans and parenting classes work in this week’s post. Contact Banks & Jones if you have questions about child custody in Knoxville.

What exactly is a parenting plan?

People ask, “What is a parenting plan?” In the state of Tennessee, we are very fortunate that we have a uniform plan that’s used in all cases. I tell clients when they come to me, whether or not you reach an agreement with your spouse, or whether or not it is ordered by a judge, you will end up with what’s called a permanent parenting plan if you have minor children at the end of your case.

A permanent parenting plan is a form that sets forth what you need to know for your children after you’re divorced or if you were never married and moving forward in parenting your children. It sets forth where the children are going to be and with whom on what days. It sets forth child support. It sets forth who’s going to make decisions about the child. It sets forth things such as health insurance and how uncovered medical bills are going to be paid.

If you’re facing a situation where you have minor children and you’re either going through a divorce or even if you were never married, you still need a permanent parenting plan to deal with these issues for your minor child or children. We at Banks & Jones handle these types of cases on a day in and day out basis and we will be glad to assist you in understanding the parenting plan and understanding your rights and your responsibilities under that plan.

What are parenting classes?

When you’re going through a divorce in the state of Tennessee, it’s mandatory that all divorcing parties who have minor children take what’s called a parenting education seminar. It’s also important to know your judge and which judge you’re in front of, and which parenting classes they do accept or that they do not accept.

Some judges will not accept online classes. Some judges make you go to a particular class, and there’s even some judges that require you to take extra hours of parenting.

That’s why it’s important to have an attorney who’s knowledgeable with the courts, and with the judges, and the requirements of those classes. If you’re finding yourself in a situation facing a divorce, and you have minor children, please feel free to contact us at Banks & Jones, and we can help you navigate through the process. We can also assist you in getting to the correct parenting class. Call our office number is 865-546-2141.