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Senate Judiciary panel reopens debate on financial‑support factor in termination‑of‑parental‑rights law
Summary
On Feb. 11, committee counsel reviewed language to restore a statutory factor that allows courts to consider a parent's financial support when deciding termination of parental rights in pending adoptions. The panel agreed to seek additional testimony from DCF and family‑law practitioners; no vote was taken.
Michelle Childs, Office of Legislative Counsel, told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Feb. 11 that the panel is being asked to reconsider language in Title 15A governing termination of parental rights in adoption cases.
"My understanding is that DCF came to Senate Judiciary and asked for a change to the law with regard to adoption and the process of termination of parental rights," Childs said, describing a provision removed last year that had allowed a court to consider whether a parent had provided any financial support for a child six months of age and older.
The provision was…
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