Bringing a child into your life through adoption is a journey filled with hope, excitement, and sometimes, a few uncertainties. As an adoption coach, my role is to be your guide, providing emotional support and invaluable insights to help you navigate the intricate process of adoption in the beautiful state of Tennessee. While I'm not an adoption attorney or an accountant, I am here to be your companion on this transformative voyage, offering educational resources and emotional encouragement every step of the way.

Who can adopt in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the eligibility criteria for prospective adoptive parents are designed to prioritize the best interests of the child while providing a welcoming environment for diverse families. The state embraces a broad spectrum of adoptive families, including individuals, married couples, and LGBTQ+ individuals or couples. Tennessee law does not discriminate based on marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity, recognizing that a loving and stable home is what truly matters in the upbringing of a child. While there are certain legal requirements, such as age (21) and background checks, the state's primary focus remains on assessing the prospective parents' ability to provide a nurturing and secure environment for the child. 

What Types of Adoption are Allowed in Tennessee?

1. Partnering with an Adoption Agency:

Collaborating with a reputable adoption agency in Tennessee is a popular and well-established route. Agencies provide comprehensive services, from matching prospective parents with birth mothers to managing legalities. Their expertise streamlines the process, offering support at every turn and guiding families through the intricate web of adoption regulations.

2. Working with an Adoption Consultant:

For those seeking a more personalized experience, adoption consultants serve as invaluable allies. These professionals offer tailored guidance, helping families navigate the complexities of adoption while also providing insights into available resources. Working with an adoption consultant allows for a more hands-on approach, ensuring that your journey is uniquely crafted to meet your specific needs.

3. Working with an Adoption Attorney:

Opting for an adoption attorney provides a legal-centric approach to the adoption process. Attorneys specializing in adoption ensure that all legal requirements are met, safeguarding the rights of both birth and adoptive parents. Their expertise is particularly crucial in facilitating smooth communication and negotiation during the often-sensitive legal aspects of adoption. Here is an interview with an adoption attorney from Tennessee.

4. Working with an Adoption Coach (That’s Me!):

As your adoption coach, my role is to offer emotional support, education, and guidance throughout your adoption journey. While not a legal professional, I provide a holistic perspective, helping you navigate the emotional complexities that often accompany adoption. Think of me as your dedicated companion, offering insights to empower you emotionally and mentally as you navigate the path to parenthood.

5. Self-Matching Your Adoption:

For those who prefer a more hands-on role in finding a match, self-matching is an option in Tennessee. This approach involves prospective adoptive parents taking an active role in connecting with birth parents, either through social media, networking, or other means. While self-matching offers a greater level of control, it also requires a deep understanding of the legal and emotional intricacies involved.

Steps to Adopt a Baby

1. Decide what type of adoption is right for you: The first step is to decide which type of adoption is right for you. Not sure how to decide? Take this quiz to help you decide.

2. Find your adoption partner: The next step in the process is to find your adoption partner.

3. Get your home study approved: The third step is to get your home study approved. You can find more information on how to have a successful home study here.

4. Create your adoption profile: Your adoption profile is arguably the most important part of your journey as a prospective partner. It is where you share your story to connect with a prospective family.

5. Share your adoption profile: Once your adoption profile is created, you have to share it so that an expectant family can pick your family to adopt their baby.

6. Match with an expectant parent: The next step is when an expectant parent picks you to parent their baby.

7. Next the baby is born.

8. The last step in the process is when the adoption is officially finalized.

What is the average cost of adoption in Tennessee?

The cost of adoption in the state of Tennessee can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of adoption, the adoption agency or professional you choose to work with, and any associated legal fees. Here is a general overview of the average adoption costs in Tennessee for different types of adoption:

Private Domestic Adoption: Private domestic adoption, where you adopt an infant within the United States, can cost anywhere from $35,000-$65,000. These costs typically cover adoption agency fees, home study fees, legal fees, counseling, and medical expenses for the birth mother.

Foster Care Adoption: Many of the expenses are subsidized or covered by the state and sometimes there are even adoption subsidies to support the child’s needs post-adoption. Costs vary.

Independent Adoption: Independent adoptions, also called self-matching, where you work directly with a birth mother without an agency, can have lower agency fees but may still incur legal, counseling, and medical expenses. Costs can vary widely in these cases, but they may fall in the $10,000-$30,000 range.

Adoption Consultant: Working with an adoption consultant can cost anywhere from $70,000 plus. 

It’s important to note that the cost of adoption can be significantly influenced by variables such as the specific circumstances of the adoption, legal fees, and the need for counseling and support services. Some adoptive parents may also be eligible for adoption tax credits, which can help offset a portion of the expenses. 

To get an accurate estimate of adoption costs for your specific situation, it’s advisable to consult with adoption agencies, attorneys, or professionals specializing in the type of adoption you’re pursuing. They can provide detailed information on the fees and expenses associated with the adoption process in Tennessee and help you plan accordingly.

What is the average length of adoption in Tennessee?

The duration of the adoption process in Tennessee can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of adoption, the agency or professionals involved, and individual circumstances. On average, the adoption process in Tennessee, from the initiation of the home study to finalization, can take anywhere from several months to a couple of years.

For domestic infant adoptions, the timeline may be influenced by factors such as the availability of prospective birth parents, the preferences of adoptive parents, and the legal procedures involved. Working with an adoption agency, attorney, or consultant can impact the overall timeline as well.

The journey to building your forever family is not just about reaching the destination; it's about savoring every step, embracing the challenges, and celebrating the victories, big and small. As you move forward, keep in mind that the richness of your story lies in the details, the shared moments, and the unwavering hope that propels you forward.

May your path to parenthood be filled with love, understanding, and the anticipation of a beautiful tomorrow. As you take the next steps, know that you have a dedicated ally in your adoption coach cheering you on.