How can I get visitation?
Visitation is the time a noncustodial parent spends with minor children. Typically, visitation is according to a schedule during which time the parent with whom the children are located has complete control over the children.
Visitation can be set up through the divorce proceeding. If the parties were not married, then Juvenile Court will establish the visitation schedule.
Is there a standard visitation?
Generally, yes there is. What most people consider standard visitation is every other weekend, every other holiday and some full-week time in the summer. In Juvenile Court this is pretty standard. However, in a divorce the visitation schedule is not always standard and varies from very little to half of the time. One can have the argument and fight for even more visitation based on past visitation. Mostly visitation is agreed upon or mediated like most other aspects of divorce.
Can an agreed upon schedule be modified?
One thing to remember when entering into a visitation agreement, what you agree to is very, very difficult to modify. This means that before you agree, you had better be willing to live with it until the children reach the age of majority.
Can the children have a say in the visitation schedule?
Typically, the children cannot have a say in the visitation schedule. However, children are entitled to voice an opinion as to whom they would want to have custody after the age of 12. Although it is important to note that even at that stage, the opinion of a minor child will not be controlling.
Do grandparents have visitation rights?
Although Tennessee does not have a grandparent visitation statute, Grandparents are able to get visitation with their grandchildren in limited situations such as where their children have died and they have ties to the child.
