How do I change my parenting plan

How do I change my parenting plan in Tennessee?

To change a parenting plan in Tennessee, you must prove a "material change in circumstances" since the original order, demonstrating that the modification is in the child's best interest. A material change in circumstance is a significant change that has occurred since the last custody order.

A relocation of a parent could be a material change in circumstance that would warrant a modification of the parenting schedule. A relocation of one parent has a separate set of requirements and factors that the court would need to consider before determining if the relocation may take place or what would be in the best interest of the child concerning the relocation.

A parent's inability or refusal to follow the parenting plan would also be a material change of circumstance.

The court will also consider changes in the child's needs as a material change if the change is substantial enough and a modification is in the child's best interest.

To initiate the process a Petition to Modify the Parenting Plan would need to be filed as well as a proposed parenting plan that sets out what the petitioner believes is in the best interest of the child or children.