Derryberry v. Martin

OPINION

TODD, Presiding Judge.

Jack Westmoreland Derryberry filed a petition to adopt Jeremy Thomas Martin Edwards, natural son of Thomas Glen Martin and Harriette Jeanne Edwards, now the wife of petitioner. The natural father has appealed from the Trial Court’s adjudication of abandonment by the natural father and decree of adoption by the petitioner.

Appellant’s first issue is as follows:

I. Whether Martins’ conduct constitutes abandonment under Tennessee law.

A. Whether Martin had the requisite settled purpose to relinquish all claims to Jeremy.

*96B. Whether the proof shows that Martin absolutely,…