Spoke with our lawyer tonight. he said he has never heard of revoking of paternal rights in PA. Said that termination of rights due to alienation or something similar to that,he is sure will not end h's c.s. obligations. But he said he will look into it further. In the meantime, he would like me to get whatever I can about revoking of rights, even if it has been in another state and send it to him. I know that lawyers are busy and I don't mind doing a bit of detective work. So how do I go about looking up case law and custody guidelines, things like that? Should I go to the courthouse library? Takingcare, do you happen to have anything that outlines TN's laws to that effect, or do you know where to find it? Anybody know of a website you can look this stuff up on?? As always, any help is greatly apreciated.<BR>-cd

I used google to search for revoking parental rights in Pa. This is what came up, <BR> <A HREF="http://www.google.com/search?q=revoking+parental+rights+in+Pa.&hq=&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&btnG=Google+Search" TARGET=_blank>http://www.google.com/search?q=revoking+parental+rights+in+Pa.&hq=&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&btnG=Google+Search</A> <P>maybe you can find something helpful there. I think you need a lawyer who specializes in family law.<P>------------------<BR>Deb<P>Hepatitis C, Please educate yourself ! <A HREF="http://www.hepatitis-central.com/<P>In" TARGET=_blank>http://www.hepatitis-central.com/<P>In</A> memory of a very dear friend <A HREF="http://fathom.org/teemingmillions/wally.adp" TARGET=_blank>http://fathom.org/teemingmillions/wally.adp</A>

Hi cd~<P>I did a search on Yahoo and came up with this. I hope you find what you need here.<P>Legal Information Institute <A HREF="http://www.law.cornell.edu/uniform/vol9.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.law.cornell.edu/uniform/vol9.html</A> <BR> <BR>A manual for men and all the books on child custody <A HREF="http://www.indirect.com/www/palehors/second.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.indirect.com/www/palehors/second.html</A> <BR> <BR>Hugs<P>------------------<BR><B>"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars." ~unknown~</B>

TN code is listed under section 37-1-147. Termination of Parental Rights, Part One of General Provisions under the section on Juvenile Courts and Proceedings. <P>It references back to Adoption Code, but holds in place for other situations. Here is one piece of specific text:<P>(c) Termination of parental or guardianship rights must be based upon: <BR> <BR>(1) A finding by the court by clear and convincing evidence that the grounds for termination or parental or guardianship rights have been established; and <BR> <BR>(2) That termination of the parent's or guardian's rights is in the best interests of the child. <P>Now, all this is based on someone petitioning the courts that a parent is not fit & his/her rights should be revoked. That petition is usually started by the person who wants the child to be with them. In my case, I am NOT adopting my niece, but am now her legal guardian. Her father has NO RIGHTS, nor obligations. Her mother is dead. I am it. Sole party responsible for this child. <P>Tell you lawyer he can check it out on the internet via Lexus Nexus. Geez.. these lawyers are so full of crap. Sorry CD, but if I can find this stuff, hell anyone can do it. I am not Mensa like you, just a dumb old engineer. Hey... I know the problem.. THEY ARE MEN! Whooo that felt good to get in a little man bashing! <P>I am feeling pretty snappy tonight! Take care... Carolyn

Carolyn~<P>I should have known that. We adopted my niece and her half sister 10 years ago. We petitioned the courts to sever the parental rights of the mother and both fathers. Not sure if this will help cd, but I sure hope it does.<P>Hugs

Bringing this to the top for BYSTANDER<P>Catnip =^^=