In Re Thomas B.

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.