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TENNESSEE ADOPTION ATTORNEY

In the summer of 1998, I found myself in a most unlikely place—Vietnam.  I was not there to fight a war but to adopt a little boy.  My journey began almost a year earlier and has continued through today.  We named our little boy Joshua, and he has been a true joy to raise. He is twenty-five years old now, and we would not trade the experience for anything in the world.

 

Adopting a child is a monumental decision and one not to be taken lightly.  The decision to adopt will have a profound effect on the life of the child and the lives of you and your spouse.  Although our adoption was an international adoption, there are many other types of adoption.

 

What Types Of Adoptions Are Available In Tennessee?

 

Step Parent Adoption

 

The most common type of adoption is a step-parent adoption where a child is adopted by the spouse of the natural parent.  This type of adoption is often completed with the other parent's consent and is by far the least complicated and the most inexpensive type of adoption.  I have handled a number of step-parent adoption cases and can answer any questions you might have regarding the process of this type of adoption.

 

Private Agency Adoption

 

The next most common type of adoption is a private agency adoption.  Usually, a birth mother contacts an agency, and the agency pairs the birth mother with the prospective adoptive parents.  In most private agency adoptions, the birth mother will have a say in who will adopt the child. In most cases, the adoption is an open adoption where the birth mother can follow the child's growth and development and might even spend time with the child and the adoptive family.

 

International Adoptions

 

In addition to domestic private agency adoptions, private agencies usually handle international adoptions.  The local adoption agency often ties with a larger agency located in the United States that handles international adoptions.  The larger agency will contact agencies or officials in foreign countries.  Most of the contact will be with the local adoption agency which will coordinate the process.

 

Public Agency Adoptions

 

Closely akin to private agency adoptions are public agency adoptions.  This usually involves the Department of Human Services and the foster care system.  Often the birth parent's parental rights will need to be involuntarily terminated.  During the termination process, the child will live with a foster family.  Once the termination occurs, the child can be placed for adoption.  Often, the adoption will occur immediately following the termination.  This lengthy process can involve appeals and other complicated court proceedings.

 

Private Adoption

 

The least common type of adoption is private adoption.  This process usually involves an attorney who will act as the intermediary between the birth mother and the adoptive parents.  The birth mother and adoptive parents often agree on the adoption before involving the attorney.  In such a situation, the role of the attorney is to draft the paperwork and ensure that the law pertaining to private adoptions is followed.

 

Adoption Planning, Guidance, and Representation You Can Trust

 

No matter your situation, I can help guide you through the adoption process.  Not only do I have personal experience with adoption, but I have also handled a number of adoption cases throughout my years of practice.  No matter your question, please contact me and I will be happy to discuss your situation with you.

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