Judge grants adoption after finding father abandoned 15‑year‑old McKinley Jaggers

A Dixie County judge granted an adoption Tuesday after finding that the child’s father had abandoned her, the court record shows.

Judge David D. Wolfe said he found “by clear and convincing evidence” that John Wesley Yeager failed to provide support or exercise visitation and therefore met the statutory definition of abandonment. The court then proceeded to the adoption portion of the case and reviewed the adoption petition filed by Danielle Cochran.

Cochran, who said she has had McKinley and her brother in foster care and that McKinley has been in her care since April 2021, confirmed under oath that the facts in the petition are true. Cochran told the court she believes terminating the parent’s rights is in McKinley’s best interest.

The judge asked McKinley if she understood the consequences of adoption and whether she wanted the court to approve it; McKinley, identified in court as 15 years old, responded that she did. After the colloquy, the judge said he would sign and enter the adoption order and granted the adoptions. Court staff allowed a photograph to be taken following the order.

The record shows the termination portion of the proceeding was handled as a default matter following service by publication; counsel indicated the mother’s parental rights had been terminated previously. The order and findings reflect the judge’s conclusion on abandonment and finalize adoption rights and responsibilities, making Cochran the child’s legal parent with the same rights and duties as a biological parent.

The judge did not state a public schedule for any post‑judgment filings; he directed the clerk to enter the order and sign it. The court noted no vote or jury action was involved — these were judicial findings and orders rendered from the bench.