Amends TCA Title 36 and Title 37.
Tennessee SB1987 requires courts in contested child custody, dependency and neglect, adoption, and guardianship proceedings, where a guardian ad litem has been appointed, to order an evaluation of the child by a qualified expert unless deemed unnecessary. The bill affects children involved in these legal proceedings and mandates that the expert submit a report that serves as prima facie evidence regarding the child's condition and best interests. Additionally, it outlines requirements for the guardian ad litem's review of the report and addresses the allocation of costs for the examination.
Tennessee SB1987 requires courts in contested child custody, dependency and neglect, adoption, and guardianship proceedings, where a guardian ad litem has been appointed, to order an evaluation of the child by a qualified expert unless deemed unnecessary. The bill affects children involved in these legal proceedings and mandates that the expert submit a report that serves as prima facie evidence regarding the child's condition and best interests. Additionally, it outlines requirements for the guardian ad litem's review of the report and addresses the allocation of costs for the examination.
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Haile, Ferrell
114th General Assembly
January 22, 2026
March 10, 2026
Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee