Memphis, TN asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Tennessee

Q: How can a 17 year old be adopted by her mother's boyfriend and have the father's name removed from all legal documents?

The biological father will not sign anything or release his rights assigned to him at court. The rights given to him have not been used since the divorce by his own choice.

1 Lawyer Answer
Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Columbia, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: Its probably easiest to just wait till the boy is 18, an adult can be adopted and there are fewer requirements at that time. However, for a minor to be adopted ( assuming the parent won't agree to sign voluntarily) the biological father's rights must be terminated before an adoption can occur. This means filing a lawsuit against the father and proving abandonment or failure to support/visit and your question doesn't provide enough info to clearly determine if you have grounds to do this ( you just say he has not "used" his rights). I strongly suggest you consult an experienced family law attorney.

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