Children Flashcards
Who can file a complaint to establish parentage?
- child
- child’s mother
- putative dad
- TN DHS
When must an action for parentage be filed?
within 3 years of a child’s 18th birthday
Rebuttable presumption of fatherhood (overcome by preponderance of evidence) if:
- child is born during marriage or within 300 days of termination of marriage
- parties attempted to marry before birth, but it was void or voidable
- parties attempted to marry after birth but was void or voidable as long as man has taken some further step to assume parental responsibility
- child live with the man who holds the child out as his child
- genetic test shows 95% probability of paternity
Estopped to deny parentage if (2 things)
- mother married to husband and conception and a petition to establish parentage is filed within 12 months of birth of child
- mother and father file a sworn affidavit that husband is the father of the child
Who can file for termination of parental rights?
- prospective adoptive parents
- any licensed child placing agency having custody
- guardian ad litem/court-appointed special advocate
- DCS
- a parent when the other parent has been convicted of severe sexual abuse
What is the standard of proof in a termination of parental rights proceeding?
clear and convincing evidence of grounds for termination AND BIOC
Grounds for termination of parental rights (7 things)
- abandonment
- noncompliance with permanency plan
- removal of child from home for 6 months for abuse/neglect and conditions haven’t changed
- sentence to 2+ years for child abuse OR 10+years for any crime (if child is less than 8)
- severe child abuse against child or other child in home
- mental incompetence of parent resulting in inability to care for child
- conviction or civil liability for intentional/wrongful death of child’s other parent
Grounds for termination of non-parent/guardian:
failure to take steps consistent with responsible parenting
When must DCS bring termination proceedings (4 times)?
- foster care 15 of last 22 months
- child is abandoned and under 1 year
- parent guilty of felony assault on child or murder/severe abuse of other siblings
- severe child abuse
When may DCS defer bringing termination proceedings? (3 times?)
- child being cared for by relative
- documented/compelling reason that termination is NOT in BIOC
- DCS has NOT made efforts to provide reunification necessary for safe return to parent’s home
What is a voluntary surrender/relinquishment?
a termination of parent-child relationship which takes place in judge’s chamger more than 3 days after child’s birth (revocation open for 10 days)
Where is proper jurisdiction for an adoption proceeding?
Either circuit or chancery court
What venue is appropriate in an adoption proceeding?
- county where petitioner resides
2. where child resides or under control of child placing agency
Requirements on petitioner
- at least 18
- lived in TN for 6 consecutive months immediately proceeding the preceding
- spouse must join the petition (if have a spouse)
Steps for adoption (7 steps):
- all pending parentage actions are resolved
- all parties with any parental rights have notice and are joined in suit (see putative father registry)
- waiting period of 6 months
- home study
- petition must allege that parental rights have been surrendered or allege ground for termination
- decree of adoption entered (parents fit and in BIOC)
- adoption records must be disclosed when child reaches 21