When you have children, divorce is about more than ending a marriage. It is about creating a new way to parent together.
An agreed parenting plan in Oak Ridge allows you and your spouse to decide custody and visitation schedules. You keep control. You avoid a judge deciding for you. You protect your children from conflict.
This guide explains how to create an agreed parenting plan in Anderson and Roane Counties.
What Is an Agreed Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan is a legal document that outlines how you and your ex-spouse will raise your children after divorce.
What an Agreed Parenting Plan Includes
A complete parenting plan covers:
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Residential schedule (where children live and when)
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Decision-making authority (education, healthcare, religion)
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Holiday and vacation schedules
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Transportation arrangements
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Communication between parents
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Dispute resolution process
What Makes It Agreed
Both parents voluntarily sign the plan. No judge imposes it. You create it together.
Related service: Simple Divorce Smyrna
Why Tennessee Requires a Parenting Plan
Tennessee law requires a parenting plan for all divorces involving minor children.
The Purpose of Parenting Plans
Parenting plans serve several important functions:
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They create stability for children
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They reduce conflict between parents
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They provide clear schedules everyone can follow
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They establish decision-making authority
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They protect both parents’ relationships with children
What Happens Without a Plan
If you cannot agree on a parenting plan, a judge will create one for you.
The risks of a judge-made plan:
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You lose control over custody arrangements
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The judge does not know your family
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The outcome is unpredictable
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The process is expensive and stressful
How Much Does an Agreed Parenting Plan Cost?
The parenting plan is included in our flat fee divorce.
Featured Snippet: Cost of Agreed Parenting Plan
Question: How much does an agreed parenting plan cost in Oak Ridge?
Answer: An agreed parenting plan is included in our flat fee divorce of $1,100. This covers the parenting plan, child support worksheet, and all other divorce documents. No hourly billing. No hidden fees.
Question: How much does it cost to fight over a parenting plan in court?
Answer: Fighting over a parenting plan in court typically costs 5,000to15,000 or more in legal fees alone.
What the Flat Fee Includes
Our $1,100 flat fee covers:
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Free consultation
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Agreed parenting plan drafting
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Child support worksheet
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Marital dissolution agreement
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All other divorce documents
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Court filing fees
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Final decree processing
What to Include in an Agreed Parenting Plan
A good parenting plan is specific and detailed.
Residential Schedule
Decide where children live:
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Primary residential parent (where children live most of the time)
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Parenting time schedule for the other parent
Common schedules include:
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Every other weekend
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Week on, week off
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2-2-3 schedule (2 days with parent A, 2 with parent B, 3 with parent A)
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Custom schedule based on your work and children’s needs
Holiday and Vacation Schedule
Holidays to address:
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Thanksgiving
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Winter break / Christmas
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Spring break
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Summer vacation
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Mother’s Day / Father’s Day
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Children’s birthdays
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Other important holidays
Decision-Making Authority
Decide who makes decisions about:
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Education (school choice, special education)
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Healthcare (doctors, dentists, therapy)
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Religion (religious upbringing, church attendance)
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Extracurricular activities (sports, music, clubs)
Options include:
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Joint decision-making (both parents must agree)
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Sole decision-making (one parent decides)
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Allocation by category (one parent decides education, the other decides healthcare)
Transportation
Decide how children will move between parents:
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Who picks up and drops off
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Where exchanges happen
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What happens if a parent is late
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Long-distance travel arrangements
How Child Support Works with an Agreed Parenting Plan
Child support is separate from the parenting plan but related.
How Child Support Is Calculated
Tennessee uses an income shares model. Both parents’ incomes are considered.
Factors in child support calculation:
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Each parent’s gross monthly income
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Number of overnights with each parent
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Health insurance costs for the children
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Childcare expenses
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Other statutory adjustments
Agreed Child Support
You and your spouse can agree on child support. However, the court must approve it. If your agreed amount is very different from the guidelines, the judge may ask questions.
Your lawyer will complete the required Child Support Worksheet based on your agreement.
How Long Does an Agreed Parenting Plan Take?
Creating an agreed parenting plan takes time but less than fighting in court.
Featured Snippet: Timeline for Agreed Parenting Plan
Question: How long does it take to create an agreed parenting plan in Tennessee?
Answer: Creating an agreed parenting plan in Tennessee typically takes 1 to 4 weeks. Most couples complete negotiations within 7 to 14 days. Your lawyer drafts the plan in another 3 to 7 days.
Question: How long does a contested parenting plan take?
Answer: A contested parenting plan takes 6 to 12 months or longer. This includes court hearings, custody evaluations, and possible trials.
The Agreed Parenting Plan Process in Oak Ridge
Here is how to create an agreed parenting plan.
Step 1: Free Consultation
You meet with a professional who handles agreed parenting plans. You discuss your children’s needs and your preferences. No pressure.
Step 2: Identify Areas of Agreement
You and your spouse likely agree on many things. Start there.
Common areas of agreement:
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Both parents love the children
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Both want what is best for the children
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Both want to avoid court
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Both want a stable schedule
Step 3: Negotiate Remaining Issues
Working with your lawyer, you negotiate the parenting schedule, holidays, and decision-making.
Tips for successful negotiation:
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Focus on your children’s needs, not your wants
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Be flexible and willing to compromise
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Consider your work schedules realistically
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Think about your children’s school and activity schedules
Step 4: Draft the Parenting Plan
Your lawyer drafts the agreed parenting plan based on your discussions.
Step 5: Review and Revise
Both parents review the draft. You suggest changes. Your lawyer revises until everyone agrees.
Step 6: Sign and File
Both parents sign the parenting plan. Your lawyer files it with the court as part of your divorce.
Tips for Creating a Successful Agreed Parenting Plan
These tips will help you create a plan that works.
Be Specific
Vague plans cause conflict later.
Instead of: “Parents will share holidays”
Write: “Thanksgiving holiday will be with Parent A in even-numbered years from Wednesday at 6 PM to Sunday at 6 PM. In odd-numbered years, Thanksgiving will be with Parent B on the same schedule.”
Plan for the Future
Your children’s needs will change as they grow.
Consider adding:
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A review date (e.g., review plan when child starts middle school)
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Modification process (how to change the plan later)
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Dispute resolution (mediation before court)
Think About Logistics
Be practical about transportation and schedules.
Questions to consider:
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Which parent lives closer to school?
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Who has a more flexible work schedule?
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What happens if a parent is late for pickup?
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How will you handle snow days or school closures?
Keep Children’s Best Interests First
Every decision should be guided by one question: What is best for our children?
Privacy Options for Your Parenting Plan
Parenting plans become part of your divorce record.
Standard Filing Is Public
Normally, parenting plans are public record. Anyone can read details about your custody arrangements.
Confidential Filing Options
Some information can be kept confidential. Ask your lawyer about protecting sensitive details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Agreed Parenting Plans
What if we cannot agree on a parenting plan?
Answer: If you cannot agree, you have several options. You can try mediation with a neutral professional. You can use a parenting coordinator. If all else fails, a judge will decide for you after a court hearing.
Can we change our parenting plan after divorce?
Answer: Yes. You can modify a parenting plan when circumstances change significantly. Common reasons for modification include relocation, changes in work schedule, or children’s changing needs.
What is the difference between custody and parenting time?
Answer: Custody includes both decision-making authority (legal custody) and residential schedule (physical custody). Parenting time refers specifically to the schedule of when children are with each parent.
Does Tennessee favor mothers in parenting plans?
Answer: No. Tennessee law explicitly prohibits favoring mothers over fathers. The only consideration is the best interest of the child.
What is a parenting plan for very young children?
Answer: For infants and toddlers, parenting plans often include shorter, more frequent visits. Extended overnights may not be appropriate for very young children. Your lawyer can help create an age-appropriate plan.
Can grandparents get visitation rights?
Answer: Tennessee law allows grandparents to petition for visitation in certain circumstances. However, this is separate from the parenting plan between parents.
Why Choose Agreed Divorce Clinic for Your Parenting Plan
Frank Kessler has over 40 years of experience helping Oak Ridge parents create agreed parenting plans.
Our Promise to You
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Flat fee pricing starting at $1,100 for full divorce including parenting plan
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Agreed parenting plan (you keep control)
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Child support worksheet included
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No court appearances required
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Free consultation
What Our Clients Say
“Frank made the process easy and put my mind at ease. He answered every question I had.” – Jennifer A.
“From the first phone call to the last email, Frank made sure we both stayed informed.” – Kat D.
Read all reviews: Google Reviews for Agreed Divorce Clinic
Take the Next Step Today
Your children deserve parents who can cooperate. An agreed parenting plan in Oak Ridge helps you put your children first.