What Are the Legal Steps for Adopting a Child?
May 20, 2025
Adopting a child is a life-changing decision — not just for the child but for your entire family. It’s one of the most meaningful, rewarding commitments you’ll ever make. If you’re thinking about adoption in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, it’s important to understand the legal steps involved and how to move through them with confidence.
Adoption isn’t just about paperwork or waiting for approvals. It’s about forming a permanent, loving family — something that deserves the strongest possible support. That’s where a skilled and experienced lawyer can truly make a difference. The right legal guidance can help you feel more at ease, avoid stress, and keep your focus on building your future together.
Every adoption case is different. Some families adopt newborns, others welcome older children into their homes, and some relatives or stepparents take the step to formalize relationships that already exist. No matter your situation, having an adoption lawyer who truly understands Tennessee law can help you feel more confident from start to finish.
At McCarter | East PLLC in Murfreesboro, we have experience helping many families with adoptions. Here, we’ll break down the basic legal steps for adopting a child, highlight why having a strong adoption lawyer matters, and answer some of the most common questions people ask when starting this exciting journey in Murfreesboro.
The Different Types of Adoption
Before you can move forward, it’s important to know there are different types of adoptions, each with its own legal process:
Domestic adoption: Adopting a child born in the United States, either privately or through an agency.
International adoption: Adopting a child from another country, following U.S. immigration law and the other country's legal requirements.
Stepparent adoption: When a stepparent legally adopts their spouse’s child.
Relative adoption: Adoption by a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other relative.
Adult adoption: Sometimes used for inheritance purposes or formalizing an existing relationship between adults.
Each type of adoption has its own legal standards and paperwork. A skilled lawyer can explain which process fits your situation and help you get started the right way. Call us at McCarter | East PLLC.
Meeting the Basic Requirements for Adoption in Tennessee
In Tennessee, to be eligible to adopt, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Have lived in Tennessee for at least six consecutive months before filing for adoption
Complete a home study, unless you qualify for an exemption (for example, in some stepparent or relative adoptions)
Different adoptions can involve slightly different rules, which is why working with an adoption lawyer early on can save you time and stress. They’ll help you figure out exactly what you need to qualify based on your case.
Completing the Home Study
A home study is one of the biggest steps early in the adoption process. It’s basically an evaluation to check that you can provide a safe, supportive home for a child. During a home study, you can expect:
Background checks (including fingerprinting)
Home inspections for safety
Interviews with everyone living in your household
A review of your finances and overall stability
Personal references and employment verification
Although it might sound intimidating, the home study is about making sure children are placed into safe and loving homes. Having a supportive lawyer during this time can help you feel more comfortable and ready.
Filing a Petition for Adoption
After your home study is completed and approved, the next step is to file a petition for adoption with the court. This legal document includes details like:
Your relationship to the child (if any)
The child’s current situation
Consent forms from biological parents, if available
The home study report
Preparing a strong, accurate petition is crucial. Mistakes can delay the process or create bigger legal hurdles. A knowledgeable adoption lawyer in Murfreesboro will know exactly how to draft and file your petition correctly.
Termination of Parental Rights
Before the adoption can be finalized, the biological parents' rights must be legally terminated. This step protects the adoptive family and gives the child a clear, permanent path forward.
Parental rights can be terminated:
Voluntarily, if the birth parents consent
Involuntarily, if the court finds abandonment, neglect, or another legal basis
Termination can sometimes be emotional or contested. Having an experienced lawyer representing you can make all the difference during this sensitive time.
Attending the Adoption Hearing
Once everything is in order, the court will schedule an adoption hearing. This is usually a joyful event where the judge formally approves the adoption. At the hearing:
You’ll likely be asked some simple questions about your reasons for adopting and your home life.
The judge will review the home study, petition, and all legal documents.
If everything looks good, the judge will issue a final decree of adoption.
Your adoption lawyer will be right there with you, helping you feel prepared and supporting you in court.
Finalizing the Adoption
After the judge signs the decree, the adoption is finalized. Your adopted child will have all the same legal rights as a biological child.
After finalization:
You can apply for a new birth certificate listing you as the parent(s).
You can legally change the child's name, if desired.
An experienced adoption lawyer will guide you through the final paperwork so you can focus on celebrating your new family milestone.
Why a Skilled Adoption Lawyer Matters So Much
Adoption is a beautiful but detailed process. Having a skilled adoption lawyer by your side matters because they:
Understand Tennessee’s adoption laws and court procedures
Prepare and review important legal documents
Represent you if any challenges come up
Offer honest advice based on experience
Help you feel more confident and supported from start to finish
Families in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, and nearby areas know how important it is to have the right legal advocate when building their future through adoption.
Adoption Statistics
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Child Welfare Information Gateway, over 100,000 children in foster care were awaiting adoption in 2020 alone. Many of these children found permanent homes thanks to the hard work of families, agencies, and adoption lawyers working together.
FAQs About Adopting a Child in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
How long does the adoption process usually take?
It depends on the type of adoption. Some stepparent or relative adoptions might only take a few months, while agency or international adoptions can take a year or longer. An experienced adoption lawyer can give you a more specific timeline based on your situation.
Do I have to be married to adopt in Tennessee?
No, you don’t have to be married. Single individuals can absolutely adopt in Tennessee. Your adoption lawyer can help you understand how to present your case to the court.
Can the birth parents change their minds?
In Tennessee, birth parents who voluntarily terminate their rights typically have a short window to revoke consent, sometimes as little as three days. Your adoption lawyer will make sure all legal documents are handled properly to protect your adoption.
What happens if a biological parent contests the adoption?
Contested adoptions can get complicated and emotional. Having a strong adoption lawyer is crucial to defend your case and advocate for the best interests of the child.
Is there financial help available for adoptive parents?
Yes, there are grants, loans, and adoption subsidies available, especially when adopting from foster care. A good adoption lawyer can point you toward helpful resources or agencies.
Take the First Step
If you're dreaming about adopting a child in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, you deserve a legal partner who's as committed to your future as you are. Adoption is a journey filled with emotions, paperwork, hearings, and important legal steps — but you don't have to do it alone.
Working with an experienced adoption lawyer can make the road smoother, give you peace of mind, and let you focus on what truly matters: welcoming your child home. At McCarter | East PLLC, we’re proud to help families take this step.
Call Us at McCarter | East PLLC
If you're ready to start your adoption journey in Murfreesboro or the surrounding areas like Smyrna, La Vergne, or Shelbyville, reach out to a trusted adoption lawyer from McCarter | East PLLC today. Your new beginning could be just around the corner.