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Termination of Parental Rights

Parental Rights Attorney in Clarksville & Fort Campbell

Legal Help for Terminating Parental Rights in Tennessee

The termination of parental rights or guardianship often comes up in adoption proceedings. It may also arise in situations where one parent is asking the court to terminate the rights of another parent. In any case, the court will only terminate parental rights or guardianship when it can be shown that it is in the best interest of the child. At the Dennis Stanford Law Office, we provide legal assistance for people involved in the termination of parental rights. We represent prospective and biological parents throughout Clarksville, Fort Campbell, and the surrounding areas. If you are involved in the termination of parental rights or guardianship, contact our office at (931) 245-2131 to schedule a free consultation.

What Does It Mean to Terminate Parental Rights?

Tennessee law allows for prospective adoptive parents and parents to file a petition to terminate parental rights or guardianship if it can be shown that it is in the best interest of the child. Termination of parental rights or guardianship often comes up in adoption proceedings. If a termination of parental rights or guardianship it generally severs:
  • Rights
  • Responsibilities
  • Obligations 
Terminating a parent’s rights is not something that the court takes lightly. The court will look at all factors to determine whether it is a necessary step to protect the child and do what is in their best interest. 

Grounds for Termination of Parental Rights

In order to file a petition for the termination of parental rights or guardianship you must show legal grounds.  Grounds for termination of parental rights may include:
  • Abandonment by the parent or guardian;
  • Noncompliance with a statement of responsibilities;
  • The child has been removed from the home for a period of six months by court order;
  • The parent or guardian committed severe child abuse;
  • Imprisonment (under certain circumstances);
  • Conviction of specified crimes; or 
  • Mental incompetence.
These are only a few of the many things that a court may take into consideration in determining whether parental rights should be terminated. Regardless of the grounds, it must be shown on clear and convincing evidence that the petition should be granted. 

Termination of Parental Rights in Adoption Proceedings

The termination of parental rights or guardianship is frequently filed in connection with adoption proceedings. Prospective adoptive parents have the right to file a petition to sever the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of the child’s biological parents or guardians. The parents or guardian, however, may contest the petition. When the termination of parental rights is contested by the parents or guardians it can cause significant tension between the parties. It is always in your best interest to be represented by an attorney throughout the process. An attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and well-represented. 

Fighting a Termination of Parental Rights

In some instances, you may have a petition filed against you to terminate your parental rights. While you may voluntarily relinquish your rights if you are unable to provide a safe, stable home for your child, many times it is not voluntary. It may be the State of Tennessee or another party that is attempting to take away your rights. If a petition was filed to terminate your parental rights, but you believe that it is not in your child’s best interest, you need to speak to an attorney. You may be able to fight the petition. It is important that you take steps to remedy the grounds that were used as a reason to seek the termination.  For instance, if a mental health concern was part of the reason for the filing, you need to show that you are getting the help you need to address the disorder. A parental rights attorney can help you understand your rights and your legal options. 

Contact Our Office to Learn More

If you are considering filing a petition for termination of parental rights or are involved in the proceedings, contact our office at (931) 245-2131 to schedule a free consultation.

Legal Help for Terminating Parental Rights in Tennessee

The termination of parental rights or guardianship often comes up in adoption proceedings. It may also arise in situations where one parent is asking the court to terminate the rights of another parent. In any case, the court will only terminate parental rights or guardianship when it can be shown that it is in the best interest of the child. At the Dennis Stanford Law Office, we provide legal assistance for people involved in the termination of parental rights. We represent prospective and biological parents throughout Clarksville, Fort Campbell, and the surrounding areas. If you are involved in the termination of parental rights or guardianship, contact our office at (931) 245-2131 to schedule a free consultation.

What Does It Mean to Terminate Parental Rights?

Tennessee law allows for prospective adoptive parents and parents to file a petition to terminate parental rights or guardianship if it can be shown that it is in the best interest of the child. Termination of parental rights or guardianship often comes up in adoption proceedings. If a termination of parental rights or guardianship it generally severs:
  • Rights
  • Responsibilities
  • Obligations 
Terminating a parent’s rights is not something that the court takes lightly. The court will look at all factors to determine whether it is a necessary step to protect the child and do what is in their best interest. 

Grounds for Termination of Parental Rights

In order to file a petition for the termination of parental rights or guardianship you must show legal grounds.  Grounds for termination of parental rights may include:
  • Abandonment by the parent or guardian;
  • Noncompliance with a statement of responsibilities;
  • The child has been removed from the home for a period of six months by court order;
  • The parent or guardian committed severe child abuse;
  • Imprisonment (under certain circumstances);
  • Conviction of specified crimes; or 
  • Mental incompetence.
These are only a few of the many things that a court may take into consideration in determining whether parental rights should be terminated. Regardless of the grounds, it must be shown on clear and convincing evidence that the petition should be granted. 

Termination of Parental Rights in Adoption Proceedings

The termination of parental rights or guardianship is frequently filed in connection with adoption proceedings. Prospective adoptive parents have the right to file a petition to sever the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of the child’s biological parents or guardians. The parents or guardian, however, may contest the petition. When the termination of parental rights is contested by the parents or guardians it can cause significant tension between the parties. It is always in your best interest to be represented by an attorney throughout the process. An attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and well-represented. 

Fighting a Termination of Parental Rights

In some instances, you may have a petition filed against you to terminate your parental rights. While you may voluntarily relinquish your rights if you are unable to provide a safe, stable home for your child, many times it is not voluntary. It may be the State of Tennessee or another party that is attempting to take away your rights. If a petition was filed to terminate your parental rights, but you believe that it is not in your child’s best interest, you need to speak to an attorney. You may be able to fight the petition. It is important that you take steps to remedy the grounds that were used as a reason to seek the termination.  For instance, if a mental health concern was part of the reason for the filing, you need to show that you are getting the help you need to address the disorder. A parental rights attorney can help you understand your rights and your legal options. 

Contact Our Office to Learn More

If you are considering filing a petition for termination of parental rights or are involved in the proceedings, contact our office at (931) 245-2131 to schedule a free consultation.

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Clarksville, TN 37040
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