In this answer · 4 sections
Yes — and this is how the majority of stepparent adoptions work. Over 80% of the 34,000+ families we've helped completed their adoption without the biological father's permission.
How this is possible in Tennessee:
The law does not give an absent parent an absolute veto over adoption. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-113, if the biological father has had no meaningful contact with the child for 4 months or more, the Chancery or Circuit Court can terminate his parental rights based on abandonment.
"Meaningful contact" means:
- Regular visits with the child
- Consistent phone calls or communication
- Active participation in the child's life and decisions
What does NOT count as meaningful contact:
- Paying child support (financial obligation, not relationship)
- Sending one birthday card
- An occasional text to your spouse (not to the child)
- Social media posts about "missing" the child
The process:
- We prepare an abandonment affidavit documenting the father's absence
- He is served with the adoption petition (at his address, or by publication if unknown)
- He has a set period to respond — most absent fathers do not respond
- The court finds abandonment and approves the adoption
Cost: $349 | Timeline: 3-6 months | Start at stepparentadoption360.com/portal/register
Stepparent adoption in Tennessee at a glance
- Court
- Chancery or Circuit Court
- Residency before filing
- No minimum period
- Typical timeline
- 3-6 months
- Court filing fee
- $150-$350
- Child must consent at age
- 14
- Home study
- Usually waived for stepparents
- Tennessee families we've helped
- 967
Adoption document specialists · 25+ years of experience · 34,000+ families helped.
Page layout updated . Individual answers have different research histories. This is general information; court requirements and individual circumstances can differ. Document preparation service, not a law firm.
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