Dawn’s Blog
News, Updates and Resources for Legal Professionals and those who follow adoption law
Tennessee’s best interest factors are now BETTER
On April 22, 2021, the Governor signed HB200/SB205, new factors for judges to consider to determine the best interest of a child in a termination of a parental rights case. My detailed analysis is HERE.
Legislative Advocacy Video Plus Sample Letter
https://youtu.be/D-C9_Z5I2uI Click above to play the legislative advocacy video. Sample legislator letter below: Dear Senator (or Representative) Schmo: I live in XXXX (If you live in the lawmaker's district). I am an attorney/adoptive parent/ environmental...
PASSED: Tennessee Legislative Update – Best Interest of the Child – HB200/SB205
In Tennessee, to terminate a parent’s rights the petitioner (Agency or prospective adoptive parents) must prove grounds “against” the parent AND also must prove that termination of parental rights is in the child’s best interest. In most cases, proof of...
Interesting, Dynamic, The Tennessee Adoption Code
Adoption is a microcosm of values, politics, psychology, economics, public policy, emotion and aggressively competing interests. It is interesting, dynamic, and, in the past three legislative sessions here in Tennessee, very active. Let’s hit the high points.
Post Adoption Contact
Effective March 22, 2019, post adoption contracts may be legally enforceable.
Tennessee Legislative Update (HB 0288/SB 0207)
Post Adoption Contact Agreements (PACA) can be legally enforceable, effective March 29, 2019.
TN DCS Reversal – Will Apply ICPC to Children Leaving Tennessee with Guardians
The recently announced change is significant. Some transitional education and confusion is to be expected. But the net effect is a reduction in legal fees and length of travel for many non-resident prospective adoptive families.
Last Dawn Coppock Adoption / Legislative Advocacy Series This Year!
Basic stepparent and relative adoptions are the daily fare for many general practitioners. But the process is technical. This class offers the basic skills and information you need to competently represent relatives and step-parents, including forms, checklists and when to call for help if a case takes an ugly turn.
Last Dawn Coppock Adoption Series This Year
Basic stepparent and relative adoptions are the daily fare for many general practitioners. But the process is technical. This class offers the basic skills and information you need to competently represent relatives and stepparents, including forms, checklists and when to call for help if a case takes an ugly turn.