IN RE THOMAS B. - Articles

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IN RE THOMAS B.

Posted by: Azya Thornton on Dec 11, 2025

Court: TN Court of Appeals

Attorneys 1: Michael R. Stooksbury, Kingston, Tennessee, for the appellant, Thomas I.

Attorneys 2: Charlotte Mattingly, Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the appellees, Shelley S. and Josh S.

Judge(s): FRIERSON

In this case involving termination of the father’s parental rights to his child, the Loudon County Circuit Court (“trial court”) determined that clear and convincing evidence supported termination as to three statutory grounds: abandonment by failure to support, failure to establish paternity, and failure to manifest an ability and willingness to assume legal and physical custody of or financial responsibility for the child. The trial court further determined that termination of the father’s parental rights was in the child’s best interest. The father has appealed. Upon review, we reverse the trial court’s determination that the ground of abandonment by failure to visit had not been established by clear and convincing evidence. Accordingly, we find that ground also supports termination of the father’s parental rights. In all other respects, we affirm.

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