Tennessee law generally allows both parents to take an active role in a child’s life after a divorce or separation. In some cases, this is true even if the parents don’t necessarily get along with each other. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to make it easier to do what’s best for your son or daughter even if your former partner is openly hostile toward you.
Create strict boundaries with this person
Creating boundaries may allow you to limit the amount of time spent interacting with a toxic former spouse. For instance, you may decide that you’ll only talk to this person about issues directly related to raising your child. Furthermore, you can decide to have these discussions through text messages, emails or other digital forums.
Keep a log of everything that you do for your child
There is a chance that your former spouse may try to punish you by restricting access to your son or daughter. He or she may try to do this by claiming that you abused, neglected or otherwise acted in a manner that put your child’s safety in jeopardy. The only way to counter those claims is with evidence that your child is being raised in a nurturing environment. Therefore, it’s important to retain your son or daughter’s report cards, medical records or anything else that bolsters your assertion that you’re fit to be a child’s primary caregiver.
Address any concerns that you have in a timely manner
If you believe that your child’s other parent is trying to sabotage a child custody agreement, it’s a good idea to address those concerns as quickly as possible. Your attorney may ask a judge to compel your former partner to adhere to an existing court order.
An attorney may take steps to ensure that your child’s best interests are preserved regardless of your former partner’s actions. These steps may include asking for sole custody rights, adjusting the terms of a visitation agreement or seeking the termination of your former partner’s parental rights.