Tennessee § 36-6-205 - Part definitions.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-6-205 — Part definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 36-6-205. Part definitions.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: “Abandoned” means left without provision for reasonable and necessary care or supervision; “Child” means an individual who has not attained eighteen (18) years of age; “Child custody determination” means a judgment, decree, or other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child. “Child custody determination” includes a permanent, temporary, initial, and modification order. “Child custody determination” does not include an order relating to child support or other monetary obligation of an individual; “Child custody proceeding” means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child is an issue. “Child custody proceeding” includes a proceeding for divorce, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights, and protection from domestic violence, in which the issue may appear. “Child custody proceeding” does not include a proceeding involving juvenile delinquency, contractual emancipation, or enforcement under part 3 of this chapter; “Commencement” means the filing of the first pleading in a proceeding; “Court” means an entity authorized under the law of a state to establish, enforce, or modify a child custody determination; “Home state” means the state in which a child lived with a parent or a person acting as a parent for at least six (6) consecutive months immediately before the commencement of a child custody proceeding. In the case of a child less than six (6) months of age, “home state” means the state in which the child lived from birth with any of the persons mentioned. A period of temporary absence of any of the mentioned persons is part of the period; “Initial determination” means the first child custody determination concerning a particular child; “Issuing court” means the court that makes a child custody determination for which enforcement is sought under this part; “Issuing state” means the state in which a child custody determination is made; “Modification” means a child custody determination that changes, replaces, supersedes, or is otherwise made after a previous determination concerning the same child, whether or not it is made by the court that made the previous determination; “Person” means an individual, corporation, business, trust estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, government, governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, public corporation, or any other legal or commercial entity; “Person acting as a parent” means a person, other than a parent, who: Has physical custody of the child or has had physical custody for a period of six (6) consecutive months, including any temporary absence, within one (1) year immediately before the commencement of a child custody proceeding; and Has been awarded legal custody by a court or claims a right to legal custody under the law of this state; “Petitioner” means a person who seeks enforcement of an order for return of a child under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction or enforcement of a child custody determination; “Physical custody” means the physical care and supervision of a child; “Respondent” means a person against whom a proceeding has been commenced for enforcement of an order for return of a child under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction or enforcement of a child custody determination; “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; “Tribe” means an Indian tribe or band, or Alaskan native village, which is recognized by federal law or formally acknowledged by a state; and “Warrant” means an order issued by a court authorizing law enforcement officers to take physical custody of a child. Acts 1999, ch. 389, § 6. Compiler's Notes. The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of Child Abduction (CTIA No. 8303.000), referred to in this section, was completed October 25, 1990, entered into force December 1, 1983, and was signed by the United States July 1, 1998. Former part 2, §§ 36-6-201 — 36-6-225 (Acts 1979, ch. 383, §§ 1-25; 1981, ch. 483, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 36-1301 — 36-1325), the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, was repealed and replaced by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act by Acts 1999, ch. 389, § 1, effective June 14, 1999. For current provisions, see this part. Attorney General Opinions. Enforcement of out-of-state and ex parte orders of protection. OAG 14-101, 2014 Tenn. AG LEXIS 104 (11/26/14).
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 36-6-205
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-6-205 cover?
Section 36-6-205 ("Part definitions.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 36-6-205?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-6-205" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 36-6-205 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.