Are you ready to adopt a baby in Tennessee?

Maybe you’ve dreamed for years about the day you will hold your child for the first time. Now, you’re ready to learn exactly how you can make that dream a reality.

You may be feeling excited, hopeful or even overwhelmed. Thousands of families have been right where you are: looking for clear answers and trustworthy support as they build their families through adoption.

In this guide, we'll walk you through each step of the adoption process, explain who can adopt and show you how American Adoptions can help. For more information, fill out our online form.

How to Adopt a Baby in Tennessee: 5 Steps to Parenthood

Growing your family through adoption can be the most beautiful journey of your life. At American Adoptions, we've helped more than 13,000 families achieve their dreams of parenthood.

Here's how the process works:

Step 1. Contact an Adoption Agency

The first step is choosing the right adoption professional. A full-service agency like American Adoptions gives you the peace of mind that comes from decades of experience. We'll guide you through every step, provide emotional support and ensure you have access to every resource you need.

Contact us today to begin your journey.

Step 2. Become an Active Family

Before you can be chosen by an expectant parent, you need to become an active family. This involves:

• Filling out your Adoption Planning Questionnaire. You'll outline your preferences for adoption situations.

• Completing an adoption home study. A licensed social worker will complete background checks, gather documents, inspect your home and conduct interviews.

• Creating an adoptive family profile. We'll help you create a print and video profile to introduce yourself to expectant parents.

Step 3. Be Chosen by a Prospective Birth Mother

In private domestic adoption, the expectant parent chooses the adoptive family. Depending on her comfort level, you can start building a relationship through calls, video chats or in-person meetings. If she chooses open or semi-open adoption, you’ll continue to have contact after placement.

Step 4. Meet Your Baby

As the delivery date approaches, we’ll help you stay informed and emotionally prepared. Depending on the expectant mother's wishes, you may be invited to be there for the birth or meet your child shortly afterward. We'll make sure everyone is supported throughout this important moment.

Step 5. Finalize the Adoption

When is an adoption finalized? In Tennessee, finalization happens several months after placement. A judge reviews your case and issues a final decree of adoption. This is also when your name is placed on the amended birth certificate.

Who Can Adopt a Baby in Tennessee?

To ensure successful placements, American Adoptions requires that:

• You are between 25 and 50 years old.

• You have been married for at least two years.

• You have no more than two children already living in your home.

Learn more about Tennessee’s adoption requirements.

Why Families Trust American Adoptions

Choosing the right adoption agency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. With American Adoptions, you gain the support of experienced specialists who guide you from your first call to finalization.

Understanding Adoption Costs in Tennessee

If you're wondering how much it costs to adopt a baby, you're not alone. Adoption expenses usually include:

• Agency and case management fees

• Expectant parent living expenses (learn more)

• Legal and court fees

• Medical expenses

• Advertising and outreach

We prioritize transparency, which is why we provide an itemized cost estimate upfront when an adoption opportunity arises. We also offer protection through our Risk-Sharing Program. If your adoption doesn't go as planned, you’ll receive a refund of post-activation funds.

Worried About Affording Adoption? You Have Options

If you're asking yourself, "How can I afford adoption?" know that you’re not alone. We help families find adoption financing options, such as:

• Adoption grants

• Low-interest loans

• Employer adoption benefits

• Fundraising support

• The federal adoption tax credit

We’re here to help you create a financial plan that fits your needs.

How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Baby in Tennessee?

Every adoption journey is unique. Wait times vary depending on your preferences and situation, but with American Adoptions’ nationwide reach, most families are placed in average of 12 months.

Why It’s So Important to Complete Your Home Study Early

Your adoption home study is a detailed review of your readiness to adopt. It includes:

• Background checks

• Document collection

• Home safety inspections

• Interviews with each household member

Completing your home study early is one of the best ways to stay ahead in your adoption journey because the process can take several weeks or even months. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can become an active family.

Although American Adoptions isn't licensed in Tennessee to provide home studies, we can connect you with trusted providers.

Find a Tennessee home study provider.

When Is Adoption Finalized in Tennessee?

When is an adoption finalized? In Tennessee, adoption finalization usually happens several months after placement, following post-placement visits and a court hearing.

Learn more about finalizing your adoption in Tennessee.

Other Adoption Laws in Tennessee

Adoption laws can vary widely from state to state. Understanding Tennessee's specific legal requirements can help you feel more confident and prepared for your journey.

• Home Study Requirements: Tennessee adoption agencies are required to ask for a medical evaluation from a physician. This evaluation should explain the cause of childlessness and will be included as part of your home study. It helps the agency better understand your motivation to adopt.

• Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA): This federal law protects the rights of Native American children, families and tribes by giving tribes a voice in adoption cases involving children with tribal ties.

• Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC): If you are adopting a child from another state, the ICPC ensures that both the sending and receiving states approve the placement before the child crosses state lines.

• Post-Adoption Contact Agreement: While some states enforce open adoption agreements, Tennessee does not. However, many adoptive families and birth parents choose to maintain ongoing communication through photo updates, letters or occasional visits.

Learn more about Tennessee’s adoption laws.

Adoption Attorneys Near Me

An adoption attorney ensures your process meets all legal requirements. The following professionals are part of our trusted network and are members of the American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Attorneys (AAAA):

• Midwest Fertility Law Group PLC (St. Louis, MO): Tim Schlesinger has decades of experience in adoption and assisted reproductive technology law.

• Lisa L. Collins (Nashville): Lisa Collins has dedicated her career to helping families grow through adoption and assisted reproduction.

Different Types of Adoption in Tennessee and How They Compare to Private Adoption

There are different types of adoption, each with unique timelines, costs and goals. Here's how they compare:

FAQ About Adopting a Baby in Tennessee

Can birth mothers change their mind in Tennessee?

Yes. A birth mother has three calendar days after signing the legal paperwork to revoke her decision. After that, it becomes permanent unless challenged within 30 days based on fraud, duress or misrepresentation.

Is there an adoption tax credit in Tennessee?

No. Tennessee doesn’t offer a state-level credit. However, families can use the federal adoption tax credit to offset expenses.

Is it hard for a gay couple to adopt a baby?

No. American Adoptions proudly supports LGBTQ+ families.

Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in Tennessee?

Yes. After finalization, the adoptive parents' names will appear on the amended birth certificate. It is usually processed within three months.

Are open adoptions legally enforceable in Tennessee?

No. Tennessee does not legally enforce open adoption agreements, but maintaining contact benefits everyone involved. That's why we ask hopeful parents to be open to sending photo and letter updates as well as scheduling at least one in-person visit before the child turns five.

Don’t Wait Any Longer — Adopt a Baby in Tennessee Today

You're closer than you think to growing your family through adoption. With American Adoptions, you have a trusted partner to guide you every step of the way.

Get free adoption information today.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.