Gay adoptive parents may still face discrimination when they try to adopt a child. In Tennessee, a gay pediatrician struggled to adopt a child 17 years ago before finally finding an agency that helped him do so. However, although there are more opportunities for gay...
Adoption
Types of adoption
In Tennessee, a child may be placed for adoption by the biological parents or by a guardian or guardian ad litem. Some state agencies can do so as well. Private adoptions are allowed in Tennessee. This includes what is known is "direct placement"". This means the...
What to know about adoption court
Regardless of how a Tennessee resident chooses to pursue an adoption, it must be approved by an adoption court. The process begins by filing a petition with the court after which a hearing is scheduled. Prior to the hearing taking place, all interested parties will be...
The different types of adoption
For Tennessee parents considering adoption or giving up a child through adoption, it is important to note that there are several different options available. Each type of adoption grants both the adoptive and birth parents certain rights. Agency adoptions, for...
The differences between open and closed adoptions
People in Tennessee may be interested in adoption for a number of reasons. While most adoptions today that are not international tend to be open, in the past, adoptions were usually closed. Open or closed adoption refers to how much information is exchanged between...
Lawsuit meant to head off attack on LGBTQ rights
The executive director of the Tennessee Equality Project has expressed his support for a lawsuit that challenges a bill signed by the state's republican governor. Four lesbian couples filed the lawsuit against Gov. Bill Haslam, the state health commissioner and the...
Tennessee bill could affect same-sex adoptions
Tennessee same-sex couples might struggle to adopt a child if Gov. Bill Haslam signs a bill that would require the interpretation of laws to be done with the "natural and ordinary meaning" of words that do not have a specific legal definition. One result of this could...
Adopted children and divorce
For Tennessee parents who are getting a divorce and who have an adopted child, as long as both parents are legally adoptive parents, the process of negotiating custody and visitation is no different from if the child is a biological one. As with a biological child, a...
Benefits of hiring an adoption lawyer
Tennessee residents who are looking to adopt a child may benefit from hiring an attorney to help with the process. This is especially true for those who are not working with an adoption service. While legal fees can get expensive, there is generally no need to hire an...
United States sees decline in international adoptions
Many single adults and couples in Tennessee become interested in adoption as a way to start a family or add to the family that they already have. While some choose to adopt through private and state agencies, others may opt to look overseas for their child. Those who...