Learn the basics of termination of parental rights proceedings including necessary procedural steps to represent your child, parent, or adoptive parent client well!
This is intended to give participating lawyers a fundamental basis for understanding the incredibly complex area of termination and adoption law. FOR BEGINNERS OR ATTORNEYS SEEKING A REFRESHER.
Presented via Zoom Pro on July 20, 2021, this 6-hour general credit CLE's will consist of four parts:
Session 1: 9-10 am Intro!
Discuss the effect of TPRs, when TPRs are necessary or appropriate, and begin discussion of procedural requirments like venue! and service!
Session 2: 10 am to 12 pm Grounds!
Discuss overview of 15-ish (depending on how you count them) grounds for termination of parental rights, legal burdens of each, and loopholes
Session 3: 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm Best Interest!!
We will discuss the shifting consideration of the court at a best interest test, both previous test factors and new test factors.
Session 4: 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Final look at procedural issues, motion practice in TPRs and overview of appellate process. Plus questions! Ask questions!
In addition to the 6 hours of CLE, participants will receive an example of TPR petition including notice, appointment orders for counsel and GAL, motion and order allowing GALs to file using pauper's oath, and notice ot underlying juvenile court proceedings, if any.
Information will be presented by Stacie Odeneal, JD CWLS, who has participated in well over 100 TPRs over her nearly 15 years in practice, as GAL, petitioner's counsel and respondent's counsel, including the TPR leading to her adoption of two children through foster care in 2019.
Stacie is a child welfare law specialist practicing in her own purpose-based firm in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee where she lives with her three children, her husband, and her dog.