Amends TCA Title 24 and Title 36.
Present law provides that absent an order of custody to the contrary, custody of a child born out of wedlock is with the mother. This bill amends this provision to provide, instead, that if a man has executed a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, then the man and the mother of the child born out of wedlock are the legal parents of the child. However, if a man has not executed a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, then the mother of a child born out of wedlock is the child's legal parent, and has primary residential care and custody of the child absent an order of custody to the contrary.
Present law provides that absent an order of custody to the contrary, custody of a child born out of wedlock is with the mother. This bill amends this provision to provide, instead, that if a man has executed a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, then the man and the mother of the child born out of wedlock are the legal parents of the child. However, if a man has not executed a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, then the mother of a child born out of wedlock is the child's legal parent, and has primary residential care and custody of the child absent an order of custody to the contrary.
Track Tennessee Legislation Like a Pro
Join hundreds of professionals using LegisGo to stay ahead of legislative changes.
Instant Alerts
Get notified when bills you track move through the legislature
AI Summaries
Understand complex legislation in seconds with AI-powered analysis
Full Access
All 132 legislators, committee schedules, and voting records