When you and your spouse are both active members of the military, there are unique challenges you must overcome. Starting a family is one thing that might be particularly difficult during this busy time in your life, but adoption is a wonderful way to go about it. You...
What to know about grandparent adoptions
Today, 5% of children live with their grandparents in Tennessee. In many of these situations, the grandparents have temporary or permanent custody of these children. However, there are cases where the children cannot or should not live with their parents, so some...
Do children have a say if their stepparent plans to adopt them?
Stepparent adoption may occur for both practical and emotional reasons. The stepparent might want to adopt their stepchild to give them a sense of security and to solidify their relationship. On the other hand, it may be practical concerns, like military income or...
What are the benefits of adopting my stepchild?
As a parent in a blended family, you love your stepchildren as much as your biological kids. You give all your children the love, support and discipline they need to grow up as well-adjusted, happy and healthy as they can be. Whether you are your stepchildren's legal...
International adoption: The common obstacles parents face
International adoption is sometimes the right choice for a family. However, there are many obstacles that may get in the way and impact the process. Unlike a domestic adoption, the child or children who will be adopted are not in the same country. As a result, they...
What should I know as a stepparent looking to adopt stepchildren?
If you're a stepparent, you will know first-hand that the love you can feel for a non-biological child can be just as strong as any other. You will love and want to protect your stepchild in just the same way that you will love your biological children. The only...
How to adopt your grandchild in Tennessee
As a grandparent, you may have concerns about your grandchild’s parents’ abilities. They may be away for long stretches at a time and are unable to nurture and provide for your grandchild. Or, they may have conduct issues that make them unfit parents. In these cases,...
The requirements for state-sponsored adoption in Tennessee
Adopting a child can be as legally complicated as it is emotionally. Adoption laws vary depending on which state you live in, and navigating the legal requirements for adoption in Tennessee is an important step toward welcoming a new member into your family. What is...
What are the Hague Convention rules for international adoption?
You have made the decision to adopt and bring a child into your loving home. You plan on adopting your child from a country outside the United States. Now what do you have to do? If your child comes from a country part of the Hague Adoption Convention, there are...
How stepchild adoption works in Tennessee
The truth is, for the purposes of everyday life, many stepchildren already live as though they were adopted by their stepparent. Formalizing this arrangement legally can make a lot of sense, enabling the stepparent to participate fully in decisions about healthcare or...
