Termination of Parental Rights

Helping with ending the legal relationship between a Parent and child
Contact Us Today

Termination of Parental Rights Attorney In Franklin, Tennessee 

What does it mean to terminate parental rights in Tennessee?

The legal bond between a parent and their child is ultimately broken when parental rights are revoked. When this connection ends, the child can be adopted by someone else, such as a stepparent, adoptive parent, or other family member. This termination may occur voluntarily at times. But occasionally, it may not be voluntary, in which case the court renders the judgment. To get an involuntary termination, the petitioner must demonstrate that the child's best interests are served by the termination of the parents' rights.

Contact Law Offices of Crystal Etue, PLLC to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today. 615-510-6955

How long does a parent need to be gone before it is considered Abandonment?

According to Tennessee law, a child is abandoned when:


  • A parent intentionally skips out on appropriate child support payments, visits, and interaction with their child for the four months prior to petitioning.
  • Before being imprisoned, a parent who is detained wilfully neglects to pay fair child support, interact with their child, or visit them for four months in a row.
  • During the final four months of her pregnancy, a biological or legal father intentionally neglects to see his child or to provide a reasonable amount of assistance.
  • A mother of a child willingly leaves her newborn at a hospital or other safe place and doesn't try to get in touch with the child for at least ninety-days.

What is voluntary termination of Parental rights?

Not every situation involving the termination of parental rights is unfavorable or sad. For a variety of reasons, some parents are willing to give up their parental rights. For example, they may realize they are unable to provide for their kid and choose to place it for adoption. Even giving up parental rights voluntarily can be a difficult and delicate procedure. The mother must verify and end the supposed father's claim to the child, or paternity, in addition to filing a petition to terminate parental rights.


Before an adoption can be finalized, prospective parents need the birth parents' legal consent. Additionally, in Tennessee, adoptive parents are required to wait 72 hours following the child's birth before going before a judge to sign the paperwork. 

Contact Us Now
Share by: