IN RE REMINGTON B. - Articles

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IN RE REMINGTON B.

Posted by: Azya Thornton on Sep 26, 2025

Court: TN Court of Appeals

Attorneys 1: Claire A. Addlestone, Kingsport, Tennessee, for the appellant, Kristina B.

Attorneys 2: Jonathan Skrmetti, Attorney General and Reporter, and Clifton Wade Barnett, Assistant Attorney General, for the appellee, Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.

Attorneys 3: Stacie Leigh Odeneal, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, Guardian ad Litem.

Judge(s): MCBRAYER

The guardian ad litem filed a petition to terminate a mother’s parental rights to her child. After the mother failed to respond, the guardian ad litem moved for entry of a default judgment against her. The mother appeared pro se at the default judgment hearing and requested a continuance to allow for court appointed counsel. The court found the mother was entitled to appointed counsel but denied the continuance. After hearing the petitioner’s proof, the court found clear and convincing evidence of multiple grounds for termination and that termination of the mother’s parental rights was in the child’s best interest. Under the circumstances, we conclude that the court erred in denying the mother a continuance to consult with counsel. So we vacate the termination of the mother’s parental rights and remand for further proceedings.

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