Adoption in Tennessee.  Just like every child is unique, each adoption is different.  However, all Tennessee adoptions follow a similar legal process. In general, the birth mother must surrender the child to be adopted, the birth father’s parental rights must be terminated, the adoptive parents must have a home study performed by a child placement agency, a petition for adoption must be filed, follow-up in home visits are conducted by a licensed clinical social worker and the court must formally grant the adoption.  This process Is intended to protect the interests of all persons involved particularly, the best interests of the adopted child.
If you have made or are considering the decision to adopt a child, consulting an adoption attorney can offer important advice about your options and help ensure that the adoption proceeds as smoothly as possible. Regardless of whether you are a grandparent that needs to adopt a grandchild or you and your spouse are adopting a child from another country, our attorneys are knowledgeable in all types of adoption, including: 

• Domestic adoptions or International adoptions / readoptions
• Grandparent or other Family member adoptions
• Step-parent adoptions 
• Agency adoptions
• Private or independent adoptions 

Whatever your situation, our firm can help you obtain and file the correct paperwork, advise you of your rights and duties, assist you in making important decisions, and address your questions and concerns as you expand your family.

Our fees for legal services in adoption cases depend on the type and complexity of the case. For most international re-adoptions and step-parent adoptions we are able to charge a flat rate for the service. Please contact us if we can be of assistance to you.