Adoption

Adoption

AThe choice to pursue adoption is based on a desire to commit to caring for a child or adult family member. However, without sufficient legal help, adding people to your family can be a challenging experience.

If you are interested in expanding your family, a caring Columbia adoption lawyer is here to help you navigate the process and achieve your goal. Our team of compassionate family attorneys knows what it takes to finalize a processes like this successfully.


BEGIN YOUR ADOPTION JOURNEY

Whether you are adopting a stepchild, working with an agency, or pursuing private adoption, our attorneys provide the knowledge and legal guidance to make your family whole.

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A New Chapter

Who is Eligible Adopt in Columbia?

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-1-115, any person at least 21 years old is legally permitted to adopt. A person seeking to adopt must be a legal resident of the state for at least six consecutive months, own a home or rent a stable residence, able to meet the adoptee’s financial and emotional needs, and be able to work.

If a married person seeks to adopt, their spouse must join in the petition. If the potential adoptee is at least 14 years old, they must consent to be adopted. A skilled Columbia attorney could work with prospective parents two ensure their eligibility to adopt.

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A New Chapter

The Adoption Process in Family Courts

Under state law, an adoption proceeding may not begin until four days after a child is born. Until the birth mother formally consents to the termination of her parental rights, she remains the child’s legal parent. If she does consent within the four days, she has ten days after that to revoke her decision.

For most of these types of processes in this state, a prospective parent must undergo a formal home study by a licensed child-placement agency. While every home study’s requirements may be different, the goal is always to provide the court with sufficient information to ensure that the adopters and the adoptee are a good match. To accomplish this, the home study evaluator will assess the adoptive parents’ living environment, employment, criminal background, and why they want to adopt. The evaluator may also require the parents to submit references from other family members and friends.

A hearing will be scheduled once a written home study has been submitted to the judge presiding over the request. At the hearing, the judge will consider whether the adoption is in the child’s best interest and, if it is, issue a final adoption decree. The state’s statute of limitations does permit a decision to be challenged for up to one year after it has been finalized. Accordingly, it is important to consult a trusted attorney throughout the adopting process in Columbia.

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Different Ways of Adopting



Perspective parents often think of a traditional adoption through which they adopt a child from a local Department of Social Services or another state-approved agency. While those types of processes are prevalent, many different types of adoptions are available under state law. Some of these include:

  • Stepparent adoptions
  • Second parent adoptions
  • Adopting from a private agency
  • Adopting an adult
  • Adopting a relative
  • International adoptions

The legal requirements for each type of process vary. For example, while adopting minors generally require the biological parent’s consent, adopting an adult does not. A capable attorney in the Columbia area could explain the different types of adoptions and what a prospective parent must do to complete the action.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the legal requirements for adoption in Tennessee?

    Tennessee law requires background checks, home studies, and proper consent from biological parents for adoption. Our attorneys help you meet all legal requirements.

  • How long does the adoption process take?

    The timeline varies depending on the type of adoption, but most cases take several months to a year. We work to streamline the process and address any delays.

  • Do I need an attorney for a stepparent adoption?

    Yes, legal guidance is essential to ensure proper documentation, termination of parental rights (if applicable), and compliance with Tennessee adoption laws.

  • Can single individuals adopt in Tennessee?

    Yes, single individuals can adopt in Tennessee, provided they meet the legal requirements. We’re here to guide you through the process.

Let’s Build Your Family Together

Learn More from a Columbia Adoption Attorney Now


Reach out to Parks, Bryant & Snyder, PLLC for compassionate legal guidance as you grow your family.

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