Memphis, TN family law attorney Daniel Loyd Taylor talks about whether or not Tennessee is a 50/50 custody state. Tennessee is not a 50/50 custody state. There is a preference for not using the term “custody” anymore; instead, it is referred to as “parenting time.” Parents should not be viewed as visitors. The previous terminology of custody and visitation implies that one parent is merely visiting the child, which is not the intention. Currently, there is no presumption of a 50/50 split; the focus is on what is in the best interest of the child, taking into account various factors such as work schedules, the health of the child, the health of the parents, and the ability to parent.

The statute encourages the creation of a schedule that maximizes the time both parents spend with the child. It suggests beginning with the idea that a 50/50 arrangement would be ideal and then determining if the circumstances allow for that. However, this perspective is not strictly the law; it reflects Dan Taylor’s approach to the situation.