Smith, Lehberger and Kennedy Adoption Lawyers Knoxville TN

Adoption

Adoption doesn’t have to be difficult. We can help.  The road to completing your family through adoption can be a long and confusing process. Tennessee has very specific rules that must be followed closely while completing the termination of parental rights and adoption process. We are committed to helping families resolve the wide range of legal challenges through our thorough knowledge of adoption law. With focus remaining on the best interest of you and your family, our firm can provide a quick and meaningful resolution for your adoption.

 

Our attorneys have personal experience in all types of adoptions and termination of parental rights, including:

  • Foster parent and Department of Children’s Services adoptions
  • Step-parent adoption
  • Grandparent and other relative adoption
  • Third party adoption
  • Open and closed adoption
  • Interstate adoption
  • Adult adoption
  • International adoption

Termination of Parental Rights

Termination of parental rights must be done before a child may be adopted. Termination of parental rights may be achieved through agreement of the biological parent or through a contested court hearing. When a biological parent is not willing to agree to termination, only one termination ground must be proven to the court along with the best interest of the child. Special circumstances may arise where a biological parent is deceased, unable to be found, or unknown. The rights of these parents may need to be dealt with in the courts as well.

 

Once termination of parental rights is achieved, an adoption petition may then be filed. Adoption finalization is often then quickly heard and celebrated by everyone involved.

Request A Consultation

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer.

To schedule a consultation, please call (865) 539-3515 or complete the inquiry form below.

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