Can I adopt my stepchild if I work out of state but live in Tennessee?

Yes. Working out of state does not affect your eligibility for stepparent adoption in Tennessee. What matters is where you live — your primary residence — not where you work.

Residency requirement:

• Tennessee requires 6 months of residency (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-115)
• Residency is based on your home address — where you sleep, where your family lives
• Commuting across state lines for work does not change your residency
• Even extensive travel for work does not affect residency if your home is in Tennessee

What the court looks at:

• Where is your primary home?
• Where does the child live?
• Where do you file taxes as a resident?
• Where is your driver's license issued?

Remote workers and frequent travelers:

• If you work remotely from your Tennessee home, residency is clear
• If you travel for work but maintain your home in Tennessee, residency is clear
• If you live in another state and commute TO Tennessee for work, you are NOT a Tennessee resident

The adoption is filed where the child lives. If you and the child live in Tennessee, file in Tennessee Chancery or Circuit Court.

Cost: $349 | Timeline: 3-6 months

Start at stepparentadoption360.com/questionnaire or call (855) 924-0450.