WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors.

Legal Information: Tennessee

Custody

View all
Laws current as of October 16, 2024

Who can get custody?

Custody can be awarded to:

  • either parent alone;
  • both parents; or
  • a “suitable person” if the judge believes that this is required to serve the welfare and interest of the child.1

​1 TN ST § 36-6-101(a)(1)

Legal Information

© 2008–2024 WomensLaw.org is a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is funded in part through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). NNEDV is a 501©(3) non-profit organization; EIN 52-1973408.