Standard Parenting Time Schedules and Court Guidelines in Tennessee
Tennessee has no standard parenting time schedule in the statutes we read; the permanent parenting plan sets one. For support, 92 or more days gives a reduction by a variable multiplier, and 68 or fewer days can increase the obligation.
Does Tennessee have a standard parenting time schedule?
Not in the statutes we read. Every final decree in a divorce with a minor child must incorporate a permanent parenting plan, and the plan must include a residential schedule that the court tailors to the child’s developmental level and the family’s circumstances, encouraging each parent to maintain a loving, stable and nurturing relationship (T.C.A. 36-6-404).
What are the 92-day and 68-day lines in Tennessee?
If the alternate residential parent has the child 92 or more days a year, a variable multiplier equal to the days times 0.0109589 is applied to the basic child support obligation, the primary parent’s share of the added expense is credited against the obligation, and the presumption can be rebutted; at 68 or fewer days the obligation may be increased by the days under 69 divided by 365 (Rule 1240-02-04).
| Pattern (other parent) | Days a year | Fewer-days parent | Support adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 of 14 days | 52 | 52 | Possible increase 4.66% |
| 3 of 14 days | 78 | 78 | Neither |
| 4 of 14 days | 104 | 104 | Reduction: multiplier 1.1397 |
| 5 of 14 days | 130 | 130 | Reduction: multiplier 1.4247 |
| 6 of 14 days | 156 | 156 | Reduction: multiplier 1.7096 |
| 7 of 14 days | 183 | 182 | Reduction: multiplier 1.9945 |
These are our counts of a repeating 14-day pattern before extra summer or holiday days.
How is the parenting plan approved in Tennessee?
On the parties’ agreement with the final decree; if they cannot agree, the court may order dispute resolution, and if there is still no agreement 45 days before trial each party files and serves a proposed plan, with the court free to adopt the other side’s plan if it is in the child’s best interest (36-6-404(c)).
What must the plan cover in Tennessee?
The child’s changing needs; each parent’s authority and responsibilities; minimizing harmful conflict; a dispute resolution process; decision-making on education, health care, extracurricular activities and religion; day-to-day decisions by the parent the child is with; and an annual income report by the child support obligor (36-6-404(a)).
Is there a temporary parenting plan in Tennessee?
Yes. A temporary parenting plan is required and determined under 36-6-403 while the case is pending; ask the clerk for the local forms.
Does the plan cover driving in Tennessee?
It must provide that a parent whose driver license is expired, canceled, suspended or revoked, or who has none, make acceptable transportation arrangements to protect the child (36-6-404(a)(9)).
Which calculator should I use after counting days in Tennessee?
Take the days to the Tennessee child support calculator and keep the Tennessee parenting time calculator count consistent with your plan.
What should a written schedule cover in Tennessee?
- The regular pattern, with exchange days, times and a place.
- Holidays, school breaks and summer, and how they replace the regular pattern.
- The day count, so child support uses the right adjustment.
- Transportation, communication and decision-making.
- How changes are agreed and put in writing.
Must the parents try to resolve disputes before going to court in Tennessee?
The permanent plan must set a dispute resolution process, with a preference for carrying out the plan, and a parent who willfully fails to appear at it can face fees and sanctions, though court action stays open to protect the child (36-6-404(a)(4)).
What if the parents cannot agree in Tennessee?
The court decides on the child’s best interest and the factors above. See the uncontested versus contested divorce in Tennessee post for how agreed and disputed cases differ.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a standard parenting schedule in Tennessee?
No statewide schedule appears in the statutes we read; the permanent parenting plan sets one.
How many days is the Tennessee support reduction line?
92 or more days a year.
Does a 7-in-14 schedule reach the Tennessee 92-day line?
Yes. It is about 182 days, with a multiplier near 2.
Does a 3-in-14 schedule change Tennessee child support?
No. It is about 78 days, between 69 and 91.
Who sets the schedule if Tennessee parents cannot agree?
The court, on the child’s best interest.
Official sources
- T.C.A. 36-6-106: child custody
- T.C.A. 36-6-404: permanent parenting plan
- T.C.A. 36-6-406: restrictions in parenting plans
- T.C.A. 36-6-108: parent relocation
- T.C.A. 36-6-402: definitions
- Tennessee Child Support Guidelines, Rule 1240-02-04
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Tennessee statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Tennessee attorney.