What if the biological parent lives in Tennessee but I live in another state?

You file where YOU and the child live — not where the biological parent lives. If you live in another state but the biological parent is in Tennessee, the adoption is filed in YOUR state, not Tennessee.

However, if you and the child live in Tennessee:

• You file in Tennessee Chancery or Circuit Court
• The biological parent can be served anywhere — in Tennessee or in another state
• The adoption follows Tennessee law regardless of where the other parent lives
• 6 months residency required (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-115)

If the biological parent lives in Tennessee and you live elsewhere:

• You file in YOUR state's court
• The biological parent is served at their Tennessee address
• Tennessee's laws do not govern — your state's laws do
• Contact us and we'll prepare documents for your state

Cross-state service of process:

• A sheriff or process server in Tennessee can serve the biological parent
• If the parent is cooperative, they can sign consent and have it notarized in Tennessee
• If the parent's location in Tennessee is unknown, service by publication may be used

Cost: $349 regardless of which state | Call (855) 924-0450 to discuss your multi-state situation.