In 2014, A Williamson County Judge was instrumental in changing Tennessee parental rights law to allow both parents to remain informed of their child’s life.  The modification of the law which went into effect on July 1, 2014 is intended to reduce a parent’s attempts to alienate a child’s relationship with the other parent.  The amendment to the law makes it mandatory for parents to share information about their child.  A parent exercising visitation or parenting time must provide the other parent with, among other things:

1. a telephone number where the child may be reached, and
2. deliver all letters, packages and other materials sent to the child by the other parent as soon as received, and
3. notify the other parent of any hospitalization, major illness or injury or death of the child, and
4. provide the name, address, and telephone number of the child’s school or information to the other parent that the child is being homeschooled, and
5. if leaving the state for more than 48 hours, provide the other parent an itinerary which shall include the planned dates of departure and return, the intended destinations and mode of travel and telephone numbers.

There are other requirements that parents must comply with as well found in T.C.A. § 36-6-101.

If a parent does not abide by the law, that parent can be held in contempt, which could mean going to jail, paying a fine, and paying the other parent’s attorney fees.  Complying with the amended law can also be considered when attempting to modify or change custody of a child.

Call Paul at 615-256-4747 or contact him online to schedule a free consultation to discuss any problems with parental rights that you might be facing.  The Paul D. Jeter Law Firm is located in the Historic Washington Square Building in Downtown Nashville and Paul has successfully represented clients from all over Tennessee, including: Nashville, Franklin, Memphis, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Columbia, Murfreesboro, Brentwood and Dickson.