What are the requirements for stepparent adoption in Tennessee?

Here are the key requirements for stepparent adoption in Tennessee:

1. Marriage: You must be legally married to the child's biological parent

2. Residency: 6 months in Tennessee (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-115)

3. Consent or Abandonment: Either the other biological parent consents, or abandonment (4+ months no contact) is established under Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-113

4. Child Consent: Children age 14+ must consent (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-117)

5. Background Check: Required for the adopting stepparent

6. Home Study: Typically waived for stepparents in Tennessee (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-116)

7. Filing: Petition filed in Chancery or Circuit Court

Our document package includes everything you need — petition, consent forms or abandonment affidavit, background check forms, home study waiver request, and step-by-step filing instructions for your specific countie.