Adult adoption in Tennessee refers to the legal process of establishing a parent-child relationship between an adult individual and the adoptive parents through the court order. This process allows an adult to obtain all parental rights and responsibilities of the adoptive parents, effectively terminating the natural parents' rights. In this guide, we will discuss the requirements, processes, and benefits of adult adoption in Tennessee, as well as answer some frequently asked questions.
Eligibility
To be eligible for adult adoption in Tennessee, you must meet the following criteria:
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Both adoptive parents must be at least 18 years old.
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You must provide a sworn, written consent from the adult individual you wish to adopt.
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If the adult adoptee was previously adjudicated incapacited, your written consent as the adult's guardian or conservator is also required.
Process
The adult adoption process in Tennessee is relatively simple and can begin with hiring an attorney. Your family law attorney will file a Petition to Adopt with the court, which will then schedule a hearing for all parties involved. During the hearing, the adopting parents will tell the judge that they wish the adoption to proceed. If approved, the adoptee'såºçç parents will receive notice of the action, and the court will order the state to issue a new birth certificate listing the adoptive parents as the adoptee's parents.
Benefits
Adult adoption offers several benefits, including:
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Establishes inheritance rights: Adopted individuals have the same inheritance rights as natural children of the parents, regardless of the age of the adoptee).
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Forms a pre-existing parent-child relationship: This action formalizes an existing parent-child relationship that may have been fostered, stepchild, or raised by relatives.
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Terminates natural-parent rights: Once the adoption process is completed, the adoptee can no longer inherit from their birth parents and their lineal descendants' connections are severed.
FAQ
Q: Do I need the birth parents' consent for an adult adoption?
A: No, consent from the natural parents is not required in adult adoptions, but they must be given notice of the action unless they are deceased.
Q: What happens if the adopting parent is not married?
A: In cases where both adoptive parents are not married, they must seek a spouse's consent for the adoption. A step-parent adoption is the only exception, in which both birth parents' parental rights are terminated.
Q: How does an adult adoption differ from a traditional adoption?
A: While traditional adoptions involve a child being placed with adoptive parents by child welfare agencies or court-appointed guardians, adult adoptions involve an adult individual adopting another adult. Additionally, there is no requirement for a home study or waiting period.
Q: Can I adopt an adult if I am related to the adoptee?
A: Yes, if you are a relative of the adoptee, you may be able to adopt them. The consent of the adoptee is required, and you may need to contact the birth mother to seek consent if there is a record of rape or incest in the case.
****, adult adoption in Tennessee can be a straightforward and legal process that allows an adult to obtain all parental rights and responsibilities of the adoptive parents. It is a great option for those who want to recognize an existing parent-child relationship and ensure their inheritance rights are protected.
