If your child custody arrangement leaves you as the noncustodial parent, you may feel like you have few rights in the situation. The reality is that the courts want you to stay involved and be able to develop a meaningful relationship with your children despite the custody arrangements.
In addition, the court’s main goal is always to do what is in the best interests of your children. To ensure this happens, you get certain rights in Tennessee.
Contact
The Knoxville Bar Association explains that you still have the right to see your children according to your parenting plan. You also have the right to have at least two phone calls each week with your children.
You also can send mail to your children with the expectation that it is private and the other parent will not open it, read it or take it away from your children.
Information
You also have the right to certain information about your children, including access to medical and school records. If your child suffers an injury, has a major medical issue, enters the hospital or dies, you have the right to receive notification within 24 hours.
If the other parent wishes to take your children out of the state for 48 hours or more, you have the right to receive an itinerary. Your children’s other parent must also provide you with notices about extracurricular activities and other events concerning your children at least 48 hours in advance.
Other rights
Your rights also include the ability to involve yourself in your children’s school activities and education. You should have access to your children while at school as well.
You also have the right to expect the other parent will not talk bad about you in front of your children or do anything to discourage them from having a relationship with you.
