Location: Tennessee
I am preparing for mediation with my ex-husband regarding childcare arrangements for our 12-year-old daughter when she is home alone (she is an only child) for longer than two hours.
Currently, I exercise first right of refusal (FROR) whenever he is unable to return within two hours of her getting off the bus. However, with shorter daylight hours and a recent indecent exposure incident involving a neighbor (documented by police), I am concerned that without clear boundaries, two hours could easily extend into three, four, or five.
He frequently arrives home late, and I cannot maintain daily pick-ups and drop-offs during his custodial weeks. My goal is to establish proper childcare requirements during his time. I anticipate he will resist this in mediation.
I earn approximately $60,000 per year, while his W-2 shows income exceeding $600,000. Given this disparity, I question why he cannot provide appropriate childcare when I can. If he refuses, I am considering requesting enforcement of Tennessee’s child support guidelines, as the income gap is significant. Despite our 50/50 agreement, I often have our daughter more due to my consistent use of FROR, and I am seeking the best approach to present this.