For same-sex couples or blended families, a non-biological parent may legally adopt the child(ren) of the biological parent. Both adoption methods allow the biological parent and the adoptive parent to retain equal and full parental rights.

While similar to a Stepparent or Second Parent Adoption in that the prospective adoptive parents are related by blood or marriage to the child, the prospective adoptive parents are not the birth parents of the child.  Typically the prospective adoptive parents are grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles, or cousins.  Due to the relative relationship, the process can be faster than an unrelated adoption as several required steps such as a home study can be waived by the court.

Unrelated Adoption refers to the process of adopting a child who is not biologically related to the prospective adoptive parents. This can include direct placement/consented, agency, or foster care adoptions.

Adult adoption occurs when an individual who has reached the age of 18 years old is adopted by another adult. Adult adoptions may be completed without the consent of the adoptee’s biological parents, unless the adoptee has been found to be incompetent by the court.

Readoption refers to the legal process of re-establishing a child’s adoption after they have been adopted in another country. Readoption is often pursued by families who have adopted internationally or from another state, ensuring the adoption is legally recognized in Tennessee and providing the child with the same legal protections as a domestically adopted child.