Types Of Adoption Recognized In Tennessee
There are few things involved in the court process that can bring an element of joy. While adoption very often involves an element of loss, by and large it is a happy affair. Even the most seasoned family law judge will likely still crack a smile when handling the finalization of an adoption of a child to parents who are able to, finally, establish that this little human is officially part of their clan.
This is not to say, however, that the road to adoption is always a smooth ride. In order to give yourself the best chance of success in your adoption journey, you would do well to research the basics of how adoption works in Tennessee.
- There is More than One Type of Adoption
There are a few different options available to birth parents, and adoptive parents seeking to add to their family in Tennessee. There is no perfect, one-size-fits-all solution for every family. Researching the various paths and their potential pros and cons can help you understand what option may work best for you and your family.
- Open Adoption
An open adoption is an adoption arrangement that allows for interaction between the birth parents and the adoptive family. There are many merits to open adoptions when both sides approach the arrangement with understanding, respect, and always keep the best interests of the child at the forefront of their minds.
The positives of open adoption include that when utilized, open adoptions can allow birth parents and biological children to maintain a presence in one another’s lives. This might help to ease the grief of the adoption for the biological parents, and help the adopted child to better understand their sense of self and identity.
Conversely, open adoptions come with their own disadvantages. An open adoption is not as clean cut. Both sides may struggle establishing and holding to boundaries, and children may become confused.
- Confidential Adoption
A confidential adoption is one where the adoptive family and birth family will not have contact and, indeed, will not know the identity of one another. While this form of adoption does not suffer from some of the disadvantages of open adoptions, the lack of information can cause problems. Children may be more prone to struggle with identity issues, and the lack of information can lead to holes in medical history.
- Mediated Adoption
A mediated adoption allows birth parents and adoptive parents to make contact via a third party. While this does allow for a better flow of information from one side to the other, generally speaking a mediated adoption will still not involve direct contact by the birth family to the adoptive family. Having a mediator can be key in keeping these kinds of adoptions functional, but families might still find themselves frustrated with the lack of direct contact.
Contact Fort, Holloway & Rogers
Adoption changes two families forever. Regardless of how or why you are pursuing adoption within your family, the Franklin family lawyers at Fort, Holloway & Rogers can help. Our skilled attorneys are standing by to help address your legal needs with honesty, integrity, dedication and skill. Contact our office today to speak with an expert attorney about your own family law matter.
Sources:
tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2022/12/30/how-tennessee-is-working-to-become-more-adoption-friendly/69765140007/
americanadoptions.com/tennessee-adoption/tennessee-adoption-home-study
