The Tennessee Court of Appeals has upheld the termination of parental rights for Lara G. regarding her son, Preston H. The court's decision, issued on October 27, 2026, found that Lara's failure to visit and support her son constituted abandonment. This ruling affects not only Lara but also Preston, who has been living with his father, Michael H., and stepmother, Brooke H., since 2022.

The case began when Preston's father sought emergency custody due to concerns about Lara's substance abuse. After a series of legal proceedings, the court determined that terminating Lara's parental rights was in Preston's best interest. The ruling emphasizes the importance of parental responsibilities and the consequences of failing to fulfill them.

Background

The parties involved in this case include Lara G., the mother of Preston H., and Michael H., the biological father. Preston was born in January 2018 and initially lived with Lara. However, after concerns about Lara's drug use arose, Michael filed for emergency custody in June 2022. The court granted him custody, and Lara was allowed only supervised visitation.

In March 2024, Michael and Brooke filed a petition to terminate Lara's parental rights, citing abandonment due to her failure to visit or support Preston. The case was consolidated with a separate petition for grandparent visitation filed by Lara's parents. The Chancery Court for Crockett County ultimately ruled in favor of Michael and Brooke, leading to Lara's appeal.

The Ruling

The Tennessee Court of Appeals, with Judge Carma Dennis McGee delivering the opinion, affirmed the lower court's decision. The court found that Lara's actions constituted abandonment, stating, "The grounds of abandonment by failure to visit and abandonment by failure to support had been proven by clear and convincing evidence." The court noted that Lara had not visited Preston during the relevant four-month period and had not provided any financial support.

The court also emphasized that Lara's failure to visit was willful, as she had the capacity to do so but chose not to. The ruling highlighted that her mental health issues and substance abuse did not excuse her lack of effort to maintain contact with her son. The court concluded that terminating Lara's parental rights was in Preston's best interest, considering his stability and well-being in his father's care.

Impact

This ruling sets a significant precedent regarding parental rights and the importance of maintaining contact with children. It underscores that parents must actively engage in their children's lives, especially after custody changes. The case illustrates the legal system's commitment to prioritizing children's best interests, particularly in situations involving substance abuse and neglect.

For families in similar situations, this ruling serves as a reminder that failure to fulfill parental responsibilities can lead to severe consequences, including the loss of parental rights. It also highlights the legal standards for proving abandonment and the importance of demonstrating a commitment to supporting and visiting children.

What's Next

Lara G. has the option to appeal the decision further, although the court's ruling is currently final. There are no related cases pending that would directly impact this ruling. The focus now shifts to ensuring Preston's continued stability and well-being in his current living situation.