Do you have to terminate parental rights before an adoption in Tennessee
The first step in any adoption proceeding is terminating the parental rights of the biological parents. You must terminate both biological parents’ rights unless you are pursuing a stepparent adoption. The petitioner must prove at least one of the legal grounds to terminate a parent’s rights for a court to terminate the rights. In addition,
Pre-Petition Legal Representation
In child welfare cases, legal advocates may represent families, typically parents, before a child is removed from the home or a petition is filed for abuse or neglect. This legal representation prior to petition aims to keep the family together, keep the children at home, and prevent the need for foster care. The goal of
CHILD SUPPORT PAYOR FACT SHEET
All child support payments must be paid to the State Disbursement Unit, P.O. Box 305200, Nashville, TN 37229. The payor’s TCSES number must be included on the payment. Do not send cash! The following credit cards may be used to pay child support: Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Diner’s Club International, Discover, Union Pay. Apple Pay,
Top 5 Things To Know About Divorce in Tennessee
Tennessee is an “equitable distribution” state, which means that the judge has the right to distribute marital property fairly, which might not be a 50/50 split. For example, the court may give a stay at home mom more property because her earning potential is lower because she gave up her career to care for the
Evolving Child Custody Laws in Tennessee
Child custody decisions consider the “best interests of the child standard.” This child centered approach has been around for a long time but, what’s considered “best” has changed over the years. If you’re divorcing now, don’t expect that the courts will determine custody as they might have thirty, twenty, ten, five or even a couple
How is child support chosen in Tennessee?
Each parent has an obligation to support their children in Tennessee. In most cases money is given to the parent with primary custody. To find how much you’re likely to pay or receive for child support, you need to examine how the Tennessee courts view child support obligations. This is an overview. It’s important to
How do parenting plans work in Tennessee?
What is a Tennessee Parenting Plan? When a couple with children divorces in Tennessee, the court requires the parents to detail how the children will be cared for when the divorce is final. The plan must include how time will be divided. Plans also include where the children will live, and how holidays will be
Adoption – When Neither Parent is Fit
The loss of parental rights is most parent’s nightmares, but in cases where parents are abusive, neglectful or absent, it can be the opportunity for the child to have a greatly improved life. Foster parents or family members that have been taking care of a child for a period of time should consider speaking to
Do I Need A Lawyer For My Tennessee Divorce?
Everybody knows how important it is to know what your rights are before signing any contract. If a spouse suggests “keeping lawyers out of it,” you should seek a consultation with an experienced Tennessee divorce attorney. It is important to know your options and to find out what you’re entitled to. Don’t get duped by
Pienkowski Awarded NITA Award
The NITA Advocate designation is awarded to persons who have taken a well-rounded set of courses, proving they are serious about trial advocacy, ethical legal practices and a fair justice system