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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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,...

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...