Mediation and Divorce Law

Memorandum

To: The Law Offices of Mr. Xman

CC: Angela Smith

From: Cristy Kirwin

Date: 8/13/2013

Re: Smith v. Smith

A parenting plan is a detailed written outline of how divorcing parents will care for their children. Parenting plans contain responsibilities of the parents and a residential schedule.( http://www.divorcenet.com/states/tennessee/tn_faq07)

In the State of Tennessee a parenting plan is very important in the process of divorce and mediation. The Tennessee guide lines for divorce with children are to set forth a permanent parenting plan T.C.A. 36-6-404. These guidelines are outline as (a) Any final decree or decree of modification in an action for absolute divorce, legal separation, annulment, or separate maintenance involving a minor child shall incorporate a permanent parenting plan; A permanent parenting plan shall provide for the child’s changing needs as a child grows. The parenting plan should point out the authority and responsibilities of the parents in question with the best interest of the child. In the parenting plan it will outline the exposure to harmful parental conflicts between the parents. The parenting plan will outline a visitation schedule for the parents to go by, long with child support guidelines to abide by. This is to allow the parents to resolve disputes relating to implementation of the plan. In the state of Tennessee the parenting plan also has a section to allow the parents to enter into mediation before returning into court, if issues arise within the parenting plan. The Tennessee parenting plan allows the parents to make the day to day decisions regarding the care of the child when they are with the other parent. In the state of Tennessee if a parent does not hold a valid driver’s license then that parent shall make alternative arrangements for the transportation of the child to the other parent.

The willingness and ability of each of the parents to facilitate and encourage a close continuing parent-child...