A child custody case pitting foster parents against a biological father is currently underway in a Tennessee courtroom. At present, the biological father has custody while the foster parents are seeking to regain custody and file for the adoption of the child.
At the center of the conflict is a 9-year-old girl, who from birth had been raised by the foster parents in Tennessee. At 8 years old, the girl was removed from the care of the foster parents and placed in the custody of her biological father who resides in Nebraska. The father had been in prison and after his release, he sued for and won custodial rights.
The foster parents believe that it is in the girl’s best interest for her to resume living with them. During a custody hearing, they asked for the circuit court judge’s consideration regarding the possibility of terminating the biological father’s rights. Should that request be granted, the foster parents would then move to adopt the child.
The foster parents point to the fact that the juvenile court judge who previously handled the case never held a best interest hearing for the girl. The current judge, who is new to the case, stated that he must take time for consideration before rendering any decisions in the matter.
In general, the decision of which party is to receive custody is heavily influenced by what the court believes is in the child’s best interest. Therefore, a best interest trial can be an extremely important part of a contentious custody situation. The fact that in this case one of the parties wants to file for adoption makes a court determination of best interest that much more critical.
Custody battles can be extremely contentious and emotional. The process of filing for adoption has its own set of complications and roadblocks. Those who are involved in either or both of these processes need support and aid from sources that have the ability to apply calm and informed appraisal to the situation.
If you are seeking custody or adoption of a child, a Texas family attorney may be able to make a clear case for your qualifications.
Source: wsmv.com, “2 hearings held in case involving 9-year-old Dickson girl,” Dennis Ferrier, July 7, 2014
