Adoption Attorneys in Knoxville, Tennessee

What Is the Definition of Adoption in Tennessee?

It is a legal, statutory process through which parental rights and responsibilities are permanently transferred from a child’s biological family to an adoptive family.

In Tennessee, What Are the Parental Requirements?

There are several requirements to adopt a child in the state of Tennessee. For adoption to proceed, a residence in Tennessee must be maintained for at least six months. Second, adoptees must have had physical custody of the child to start with or be able to show the court that they have the right to receive physical custody of the child. Third, a home study must be completed.

In most cases potential parents must undergo a home study to determine if the home is an appropriate place for the child. However, instances in which a home study may be waived, occur when the potential parents are also foster parents to the child or the home has already been approved.

We can help you with these adoption services in Tennessee:

• Agency Adoptions

• Foster Parent Adoptions

• Grandparent Adoptions

• Private Adoptions

• Relative Adoptions

• Same-Sex Adoptions

• Single Adoptions

• Step-Parent Adoptions

• Surrogacy

• Termination of Parental Rights

In Tennessee, What Are the Different Types of Adoption?

When you are ready to adopt a child in Tennessee, you have a few choices to choose from. Parents can go through the Tennessee foster care system to adopt a child, which is a public option in Tennessee. If you currently have a foster child and you wish to adopt – you will be given preference. According to the state of Tennessee, foster parents “are dually approved to adopt, which means they have the first option of adopting a child they have fostered, or another child who has become eligible for adoption.”

You can adopt privately through an adoption agency or non-profit organization. In addition, you can arrange an independent adoption with the birth parents. When considering a private adoption, it is important to consult a lawyer to ensure everyone’s rights are protected.

What Are the Steps I Need to Take to Adopt a Child in Tennessee?

You do not have to be perfect to adopt a child – no one is perfect. To ensure that a child will be safe and loved in your care, you must meet Tennessee requirements.

To be eligible to adopt in Tennessee, you must meet the following two requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be a resident of Tennessee for at least six consecutive months

• To adopt a child, you must show that you can manage the child’s care both financially and emotionally

Adopting a child in Tennessee requires only these legal requirements. You will, however, need to prepare for a home study and be prepared to show you will provide a child with a loving and stable home. We can help you prepare for the approval process so that you don’t encounter any surprises.

How Is an Adoption Home Study Conducted?

One of the biggest fears of prospective adoption parents is an adoption home study.

According to American Adoptions, the home study for adoption in Tennessee includes:

• At least one visit to the home

• Reference letters for adoption

• Health examinations

• Verification of marital status

• Interviews with all members of the family residing in the household

You will likely discuss the following topics during the adoption home study:

• Your motivation to adopt

• Your ability to provide for a child

• Your character and ethical standards

• Your physical and mental health

• The health and fire safety conditions of your home

In Tennessee, How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Child?

In Tennessee, the adoption process can take anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple years. The type of adoption will determine the length of the process. Based on your specific circumstances, we can help you understand how long the adoption process might take and how the adoption timeline might look for you.

What Is the Cost of Adopting a Child in Tennessee?

Tennessee adoption costs vary depending on the type of adoption you choose. According to Nashville Parent, domestic adoptions cost anywhere between $0 and $35,000, with most adoption agencies charging around $12,000 for a variety of services, such as home study fees, placement fees, legal fees, counseling fees, and medical expenses.

For More Information – Contact an Adoption Lawyer in Knoxville

Wykoff & Sikes, PLLC is committed to helping you complete your adoption in a timely and cost-effective manner. It is a happy experience to adopt a child, and we will ensure that every detail is covered so that you can welcome your new child into your family. Contact our office today for a free and confidential consultation with a Tennessee adoption lawyer.