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Tennessee Adoption Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for Tennessee on
Q: How does an unmarried father reinstate parental rights when baby was placed for adoption in Tennessee?

A termination of parental rights was signed thru an agency before baby was born, upon realizing the child was his he has changed his mind and wants to father the child. He was not present when the birth certificate was signed. Mother can still revoke decision until 23rd but would rather not

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 20, 2020

He needs to register with the putative father registry. Information can be found at

https://www.tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/foster-care-and-adoption/fca/adoption-records/alleged-putative-fathers.html

He also needs to retain a seasoned local family law attorney, like yesterday.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: I have a custody case in TN but I reside in FL, do I need to attain a TN lawyer ?

The children were taken to TN supoosed to be temporary for their fathers funeral but their older brother from a previous relationship from their father, is trying to keep them and get full custody . I signed a custody agreement that the grandfather made himself and had notarize that they will be... View More

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Mar 12, 2020

You need to hire an experienced family law attorney from around Nashville. There are several issues presented in your question that you most likely cannot address without legal representation. I suspect a dependency and neglect petition has been filed against you. The burden of proof is high,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: What todo if a father voluntarily terminated his rights for a stepparent adoption the mother asked for never happen?

If a father voluntarily terminated his rights after being asked by the mother claiming her current husband is wanting todo a step parent adoption then she never does the adoption then the father is left to pay child support is there away to Address the child support court with this matter to stop... View More

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
answered on Feb 21, 2020

I gather from your question that you were asked to sign over your parental rights for a prospective stepparent adoption and termination of parental rights case. It is not the mother who files the petition, but the stepparent. If the petition was never filed and granted, then you are still on the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can my husband adopt my child without contacting her biological dad he has never seen her nor does he want to

My 11 year olds biological farther signed a paper when I was 5 months pregnant with her that stated he did not want any prenatal rights my now husband wants to adopt her do I have to contact her farther in order for this to happen he has never seen her nor does he want to

Bennett James Wills
Bennett James Wills
answered on Oct 14, 2019

You should consult with a local adoption attorney to discuss your rights and responsibilities. The biological father will need to be served with papers if his parental rights haven't already been terminated for some reason.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can the stepmom of my children adopt my children without serving me papers. Or can lies being told make it happen???

It is a complex case and I am looking for a lawyer that cares and will fight this case like it is their own children. I need a good lawyer!!!

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Aug 30, 2019

Apparently your parental rights were terminated. You may be able to set aside that and the adoption, but it sounds like it might be too late. Possibly you were denied due process notice. Hire a competent attorney to find out what happened first, then decide what to do.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: How can I adopt my former step children in Tennessee? They are adults.
Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Aug 13, 2019

This is not something a layperson can do without an attorney. An adult can be adopted ( of course, they must consent). Like an legal proceeding, it begins with preparing and filing with the clerk of the court a written petition ( request) for adoption, giving the required notice, and scheduling a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: In tennessee can a women sign as the father on a birth certificate when the child is born?

Will they get the "fathers" last name and rights to the child?

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Aug 7, 2019

Only the father can sign a V.A.P. ( voluntary acknowledgement of Paternity). If not signed by the father at the time of birth, the only way to established parentage for a child born out of wedlock is for either parent to file paternity proceedings and have DNA testing done.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Child Support for Tennessee on
Q: If someone is adopting the child and they say they don’t want the back child support?

Does the child support still have to be paid? In Chattanooga TN

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Jun 24, 2019

The termination of parental rights required in an adoption will terminate the current child support obligation, but it does NOT terminate any arrearages or past due support. However, it would be up to the recipient to take action to collect it, and if they are not very aggressive in doing so, it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Adoption, Probate and Wrongful Death for Tennessee on
Q: What is the distance that Tennessee will extradition

I'm living in Florida and I now have a probation warranty in Tennessee

Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
answered on Jun 9, 2019

I had a guy picked up in Philadelphia, PA by Tennessee Dectectives, because he did not serve his 48 hours for 1st time DUI. He was flown to Tennessee and put in jail.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: If a mother did not complete anything asked and judge issued no contact order, how hard would terminating rights be

Children are with father, this has went on a year. She didnt know to court, father has proof of her being high and passing out at supervised visits when she got them. Stepmom wants to adopt

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 1, 2019

Terminating a Parent's Rights is always difficult. The Couple can file a Petition for Adoption which must be served on the Mother as it is attempting to terminate her rights. The Couple must also be fit and proper Parents as they will be scrutinized also by various Parties, Agencies, etc.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Landlord - Tenant for Tennessee on
Q: We rent a family home that is next door to our home. There are 60+ acres of farmland surrounding the house.

The original lease said that the renters could not go on this land without permission from owners. Violation could result in eviction and not getting security deposit back. We found out that they had been frequently hunting and fishing on the property. We chose not to evict and offered them the... View More

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Nov 8, 2018

If I understand the facts, then NO, the lease was modified when you offered them the option to pay for the hunting and fishing ( and I assume they agreed and paid). By doing so, you essentially agreed the prior violation would not be an eviction offenses. The security deposit is usually to protect... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: My daughter is pregnant and has been sentenced to prison. Can she sign over her rights for adoption?

To a family friend?

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Sep 26, 2018

A"surrender " cannot be executed until after the child is born. Additionally, there are special procedures for individuals who are incarcerated. I strongly suggest you consult an experienced adoption lawyer.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption for Tennessee on
Q: I have been raised by a couple basically my whole life. Where can I find adult adoption forms? Besides an attorney.

I am 25 now and this couple have raised me since I was 3 weeks old when my mother handed me to them. At 3 years she took me back and it was hell. At 11 my birth mother signed me over to them. This couple asked then if I wanted them to adopt me. I said no. Now that I am older I want to go through... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Sep 20, 2018

Adoption can be very complicated. Hire a competent attorney to represent all interested parties, which makes it easier and cheaper. If the Adoption is messed up, you will know it when you try to inherit from your Parents.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for Tennessee on
Q: Me and my mother have agreed that she adopt my 13 year old daughter in tennessee. What is the process if we both agree?

My mother has had my daughter since she was 9 days old. She wants to adopt and I agree with it. Our family has a good close bond and we agree that it is best for the child. My mother also want to waive any child support or arrearages that I may have and waive any financial or any other... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Sep 20, 2018

You need a competent attorney to prosecute the Adoption action. It is not simple, and most importantly, both your's and the Father's rights in the Child must be Terminated. The Chancellor may wish to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem. It is much easier if the Father agrees to give up his... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: i am 16 years old. i was adopted a couple of years ago and i was wondering if i could legally move out w/o consent
Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Apr 28, 2018

No, you cannot move out without parental consent until you are 18.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Tennessee on
Q: My daughter whom I adopted when she was 2 and is now 16 is being contacted thru social media by her biological mother,

her mother just got out of jail, she sent her harassing messages about 6 months ago that I just found out about and now she is contacting her again, this time being all sweet and loving, I know it's because she wants something from her, but my daughter doesn't understand this, my daughter... View More

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Apr 19, 2018

If there was an adoption, the biological mothers rights were terminated. It can be a criminal offense ( only a misdemeanor, however) to violate a "contact veto" see TCA sec. 36-1-132. Consult your adoption lawyer and local law enforcement personnel for more specific advice on your situation.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: If my kids father has not been in here lives nor done anything for them for a year can my kids be adopted by my fiance?

Without their fathers consent?

Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
answered on Apr 9, 2018

Under Tennessee law, if there is no support or meaningful visitation for 4 months, parental rights can be terminated because of abandonment. I strongly suggest your consult an experienced adoption lawyer, and perhaps get married to your fiancé.'

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: If another state dramatically mismanages a foster child's case, can I sue the sate for legal guardianship?

This child is my blood relative and was placed with us for permanent placement. She has been suddenly placed back with bio parents on 2 occasions after PTR has been filed. She is only 3. She has moved homes 5 times. The caseworker has not made 1 choice in the best interest of this child. The last... View More

Mr. William Ray Glasgow
Mr. William Ray Glasgow
answered on Apr 5, 2018

There may be actions you can take to get children properly placed, but it appears you need an experienced attorney at this point. "Suing" the state should not be at the top of your list. It is difficult for everyone when the state finds it necessary to remove children from their parents.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Family Law and Adoption for Tennessee on
Q: My son Adopted father said if we don’t split custody of my son That I will lose child support is that true?
Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Mar 25, 2018

No, that is not true. You should consult an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption for Tennessee on
Q: My stepfather adopted me when i was 7, I had my name changed legally to his surname. Him and my mother divorced in 1987

Am i still his first born legal heir? He has since remarried and has no biological children of his own so does the adoption make me his legal heir? He is not in good health and he hasn't had any contact with me in 10 years . Am I entitled to anything he has or will I need to contest his will... View More

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Mar 25, 2018

You may or may not have grounds to challenge the will. You would be his heir if he had no will, but it is his choice to leave you out of his will if he wishes. You should consult a probate attorney to help you review your options.

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