Adoption Attorneys in Knoxville, Tennessee

What Is the Definition of Adoption in Tennessee?

Adoption is a legal and statutory process through which all parental rights and responsibilities are permanently transferred from a child’s biological parents to an adoptive parent or family. This process establishes a new, legally recognized parent-child relationship, giving the adoptive parents the same rights, duties, and obligations as if the child were born to them. Once finalized, adoption provides the child with a stable, loving home and offers both the child and the adoptive family lifelong legal and emotional security.

In Tennessee, What Are the Parental Requirements?

There are several legal and procedural requirements that must be met before adopting a child in the state of Tennessee.

First, prospective adoptive parents must maintain a legal residence in Tennessee for at least six months prior to filing for adoption. This residency requirement helps ensure that the case is handled under Tennessee jurisdiction.

Second, the adoptive parents must have physical custody of the child or be able to demonstrate to the court that they have the legal right to receive custody. This requirement ensures that the adoptive family has established or can establish a stable, supportive environment for the child’s care.

Third, a home study is typically required. This is an in-depth evaluation conducted by a licensed professional to determine whether the home is a safe, suitable, and nurturing environment for a child. The home study process often includes background checks, interviews, home visits, and an assessment of the family’s ability to meet the child’s physical, emotional, and financial needs.

In certain circumstances, however, the home study requirement may be waived. For example, if the prospective adoptive parents are already foster parents to the child or if their home has been previously approved through another state or agency process, the court may determine that a new home study is unnecessary.

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

Attorney at Law

Wayne Wykoff

Wayne focuses his practice in the areas of social security disability and domestic law (including divorce, child custody, child support). Wayne was admitted to the practice of law in 1993 and his practice continually in east Tennessee since that time achieving good and just result for his clients on a regular basis. Wayne enjoys mediating and is a rule 31 listed family mediator in Tennessee. Wayne can give you value as a mediator whether you are negotiating retirement accounts and other complex financial issues or dealing with the much more important issues of who will raise the children and under what circumstances.

Wayne graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1980 with a degree in computer science and graduated from the University Tennessee law school in December 1992. Wayne was admitted to the Tennessee bar in April 1993 and was admitted to the federal courts in the Eastern District of Tennessee in 1993 also.

Wayne was born and raised in Johnson City, but has called Knoxville his home for the last 25+ years. Wayne enjoys his family consisting of his wife and 2 boys and playing tennis and golf on a regular basis.