Termination of Parental Rights
Termination of parental rights requires the assistance of an experienced law firm. Moskovitz, McGhee, Brown, Cohen & Moore can assist you in understanding the law and your rights.
The chancery and circuit courts shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the juvenile court to terminate parental or guardianship rights to a child in a separate proceeding, or as a part of the adoption proceeding by utilizing any grounds for termination of parental or guardianship rights permitted.
The prospective adoptive parent or parents, including extended family members caring for a related child, any licensed child-placing agency having custody of the child, the child’s guardian ad litem, or the department shall have standing to file a petition to terminate parental or guardianship rights of a person alleged to be a parent or guardian of the child. The prospective adoptive parents, including extended family members caring for a related child, shall have standing to request termination of parental or guardianship rights in the adoption petition filed by them pursuant to this part.
Termination of parental or guardianship rights must be based upon:
- A finding by the court by clear and convincing evidence that the grounds for termination of parental or guardianship rights have been established; and
- That termination of the parent’s or guardian’s rights is in the best interests of the child.
(Based on TCA § 36-1-113)
Contact Moskovitz, McGhee, Brown, Cohen & Moore and allow us to assist you with adoption and termination of parental rights.
