Judge approves parents— agreed custody plan; mother allowed to relocate with child under new schedule

A Cheatham County judge accepted and entered an agreed parenting plan in Smith v. Smith on Monday, approving a schedule that allows the mother—s relocation and lays out exchanges, holiday time and summer arrangements for the couple—s 7-year-old daughter.

The action came after testimony from both parents and witnesses, and after the parties and their attorneys agreed that a material change had occurred regarding the child—s residence. The judge told the parties that once they affirmed the agreement in court, "it will become an order of the court effective immediately."

The plan records the parties— arrangement for alternating weekends, holiday time allocations, and a summer schedule intended to balance the father—s continued involvement with the child—s residence with the mother. The agreement also contemplates travel logistics for the child—s exchanges and includes contingency language for school breaks and intermittent travel by air if the parties choose that option.

At the hearing the mother described the move and the household she now shares with her husband and his children, told the judge that the family had supports at church and that she intends to remain involved in the child—s medical care. The father testified about his income, work schedule and the extent of his involvement with school events and caregiving since the parties— separation. Both parents acknowledged the child—s medical diagnosis (ulcerative colitis), and the court heard argument and evidence about who has managed the child—s appointments and medication.

The judge noted the parenting plan implements frequent, substantial parental contact and said the parties had stipulated that a material change had occurred. The court approved a schedule that includes provisions to minimize long car trips by mixing vehicle and possible air travel, and it preserved the parents— abilities to work cooperatively on medical and school decisions. The judge advised the parents that, if custody or logistics problems arise, either can return to court for modification under the applicable legal standard.

The transcript shows that the mother was accompanied by a long-term partner who described the household and the child—s relationship with him; the father called a family acquaintance and a girlfriend as witnesses about the father—s involvement with the child. The judge ended the hearing by taking the parents— affirmations and entering the parenting plan as a court order.

No specific child-support numbers or property-division items were decided in the portion of record captured; the order is limited to custody and the parenting schedule filed with the court. Implementation details such as chosen airports, ticketing arrangements and any shared travel cost agreements were not finalized in open court and would be subject to later filings or mutual agreement.