Adoption allows you to formalize your relationship with your stepchild, becoming a key decisionmaker in their life and honoring the special bond you share. Like all states, Tennessee has its own laws when it comes to stepparent adoptions, so you must learn more about the procedures and requirements before proceeding.

Common Questions About Stepparent Adoptions

Do both biological parents need to consent?

When a stepparent adopts, the other parent's rights are effectively terminated, so they must give consent first. With this consent, they give up all claims to the custody of the child, and they'll no longer have visitation rights. Their child support responsibilities will also end.

Does the child have to consent?

In Tennessee, children 14 years old or older also must give their consent to the adoption in writing. If a child is under 14, an official of the family court might meet with them to see how they feel about being adopted by the stepparent.

What does the adoption process entail?

The first step is to petition the courts and submit the required written consents. As a stepparent, you'll also have to complete a 30-hour parenting class, as well as a home study in most cases. Afterward, your family will attend a hearing in which a judge reviews the case.

Tennessee law requires a 10-day waiting period after the hearing to allow other relatives to contest the adoption. If no one does, the adoption is finalized, and you'll receive the official adoption certificate.

What rights will I have as an adoptive parent?

As the child's full legal guardian, you'll have all the same rights as a biological parent. This means you can make decisions about their education, medical care, religious instruction, and other formative issues. Also, if you and your spouse divorce in the future, you have the right to seek custody of the child and may be required to pay child support.

If you need help at any stage of a stepparent adoption, contact Castles Family Law. Serving the Nashville and Franklin, TN, areas, attorney Lauren Wilson Castles and her team offer representation in all aspects of family law cases, including adoptions, divorces, and child custody disputes. Visit their website to learn more about their firm, and call (615) 804-6086 to schedule a consultation.