Dawn Coppock, Esq., is widely recognized as the preeminent authority on Tennessee adoption law. She also happens to be a wonderful person. When I was…
Facts: Child 1 was born in February 2009. Shortly thereafter, Father was placed on probation after pleading guilty to a drug charge. In July 2009,…
Facts: Child 1 was born in February 2009. Shortly thereafter, Father was placed on probation after pleading guilty to a drug charge. In July 2009,…
Facts: In 2011, Child was born to Mother and Father. At birth, Child weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces. Six months later, Child weighed a mere…
Facts: Father and Stepmother petitioned to terminate Mother’s parental rights to Child so Stepmother could adopt Child. The proof showed Mother was a heroin addict.…
Facts: Mother and Father are the parents of Child. At the time of Child’s birth, Father was incarcerated serving an effective 19-year prison sentence, although…
Most termination of parental rights cases focus on grounds for termination. If grounds are proven, it often seems as if the second prong of the…
Most termination of parental rights cases focus on grounds for termination. If grounds are proven, it often seems as if the second prong of the…
Facts: Father abused prescription drugs. A disturbing incident occurred where Father — while in the presence of the children — injected drugs intravenously and, ultimately,…
Facts: Father abused prescription drugs. A disturbing incident occurred where Father — while in the presence of the children — injected drugs intravenously and, ultimately,…
Termination of Parental Rights Case Dismissed for Lack of Standing in Fayetteville, TN: In re Ava B.
Facts: Mother and Father adopted Child. Three years later, Mother and Father divorced. Father was designated the primary residential parent for Child while Mother received…
Facts: Mother and Stepfather filed a petition to terminate Father’s parental rights and adopt the child. After a trial, the trial court found clear and…
Facts: Child was born to unmarried parents in April 2013. From birth, Child resided continually in Mother’s custody. Father testified he had no knowledge of…
Facts: Father’s children were adjudicated dependent and neglected and put in the custody of the Department of Children’s Services (“DCS”) after Father committed domestic assault…
Facts: Mother’s parental rights to Child were terminated after a trial in which she was represented by court-appointed counsel. The trial court found three separate…