Judge names father permanent primary parent after welfare check, limits mother’s visitation

A judge in Cheatham County on Tuesday made Matthew Christopher Fenton the permanent primary residential parent of his 4‑year‑old son, concluding that the father had addressed the child’s medical, developmental and educational needs better than the mother and adopting the father’s proposed parenting plan in full.

The judge said the record showed the child’s cardiology, vision and therapy appointments were not being kept while in the mother’s custody and that the father quickly got the child “on track” after becoming the temporary primary residential parent in January. The judge cited photographs introduced at the hearing and testimony from a Dixon Police Department officer that the mother’s home contained “clutter, chemicals on the floor, trash on the floor” and other hazards that were within reach of children.

Why it matters: The ruling replaces the temporary arrangement and sets a permanent schedule and decision‑making structure for the child’s care. The judge ordered that the mother’s residential time be exercised in the county where the father lives and barred overnight visits there for now, citing the living conditions and the child’s special medical needs. The judge also reserved the issue of child support so it can be revisited if the mother’s circumstances change.

In court, the father, Matthew Christopher Fenton,…