Nashville Adoption Lawyer
Serving families in Middle Tennessee
Adoption is a legal proceeding that establishes a new relationship between a parent and a child. The birth family’s rights are terminated and the adoptive family’s rights are established through the adoption process. I handle many types of adoptions, including:
- Infant/newborn adoptions
- International adoptions
- Step child adoptions
- Relative adoptions
- Foster child adoptions
- Special needs adoptions
- Adult adoptions
- Private adoptions
Contested Adoptions
Before an adoption can occur, there must be a voluntary or involuntary surrender of parental rights of the birth and legal parents of a child. Sometimes a birth parent consents to the adoption of his or her child. In other cases, a petition is filed in court as part of the adoption petition or as a separate petition involuntarily to terminate the rights of the parent. This proceeding requires a hearing and a judicial determination before the adoption can occur. There are certain grounds on which a parent’s rights to a child can be terminated pursuant to an adoption:
- Failure to support a child
- Failure to visit a child
- Lengthy incarceration of a parent
- Abuse and neglect
The experienced lawyer’s role
While adopting can be a source of great joy, it can also feel like a complex, drawn-out process that can take a long time to complete. It is important to have a knowledgeable law firm on your side.
I have handled many contested adoptions as well as adoptions in which all parties consent. I have represented birth parents defending a termination of parental rights and hopeful parents seeking to adopt a child. As a team, The Law Office of Karen Cain understands the anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of seeking to terminate rights and I aggressively pursue your desires through court while advising you every step of the way.
Helpful topics
- Adoption Laws in Tennessee
- Infant and Baby Adoptions
- Family & Matrimonial Law
- Benefits of a Family Attorney
Other useful resources
- Adoption in Tennessee
- Tennessee adoption statutes
- Child Welfare Information Gateway
- Adoption.org (a networking source for adoption information from many websites)
- The American Association of Open Adoption Agencies
- America World Adoption Association
Call on Nashville adoptions lawyer Karen Cain for a free consultation
Contact Karen Cain online or call 615-467-1804 for experienced, efficient, cost-effective representation on all family law and divorce issues. Deciding which adoptions lawyer in Nashville is the right one for you should not cost you money. Therefore, all initial consultations are free. I will answer your questions, evaluate your case, and quote you estimated fees. We are easily accessible by public transportation and local interstates.