Building Families

For over 30 years, Dawn served Adoptive, Foster, and Birth Parents and Adoption Attorneys in Tennessee.

Tennessee Adoption Attorney
Dawn Coppock is now retired. 

Her book and seminars remain available at www.GoodLawTN.com


The information on this website was last updated in late 2024.
It is not current.

Tennessee adoption laws are frequently modified, particularly regarding birth parents’ voluntary surrenders.

There is no substitute for a licensed and experienced adoption lawyer.

Coppock on Tennessee Adoption Law

Dawn is the author of the legal treatise
Coppock on Tennessee Adoption Law.

Click here for information about the 8th Edition.

See the Tennessee Bar Journal Book Review!

For
On-Demand Seminars

See www.goodlawtn.com 

Young beautiful woman looking at the screen of a laptop and smiling

About Dawn Coppock

Tennessee Adoption Attorney, Author, and Teacher

In 1997, Dawn wrote the book on Tennessee Adoption law. She’s kept it up-to-date ever since. Coppock on Tennessee Adoption Law is now in its 8th edition and is the go-to adoption law resource for judges and lawyers in Tennessee.

For years, Dawn trained lawyers, judges, prospective adoptive parents, students, community groups, public and private adoption agencies and has been a media resource regarding adoption law and child welfare.

Dawn Coppock, Adoption Attorney

Testimonials From Dawn’s Clients

“Dawn provided us the wisdom of a trusted family friend, the knowledge of an expert in her field, and unparalleled compassion in some of the most trying moments of our lives. She is unflinchingly honest and a consummate professional. Her instincts for people and situations are sharp. She is experienced and she is dedicated. We hold her in the highest regard as an essential part of our family’s story.”

Former Client

Dawn Coppock represented us during all four of our adoptions, and we never had to worry about anything being overlooked. She and her staff are extremely meticulous and pay attention to every detail, and are also very caring and compassionate. Dawn walked with us through every step of the legal process, and rejoiced with us and our four blessings when our adoptions were finalized. We are thankful for her knowledge and expertise, and have recommended her to our friends.

Sam and Rita Grindstaff

“Tony and I would not consider using anyone but the Dawn Coppock team. Adoption is a scary and stressful process, and to know that you have an experienced, and caring team that is watching out for every aspect with your family’s interests at heart, is a Godsend. They Are Amazing!!!”

The Amos Family

Blog & Resources

Retired? Now, Who Will Represent Tennessee Families?

Hello blog readers, Some say, “Who will represent birth and adoptive families now?" I don’t share that concern. There has long been a handful of highly skilled, experienced, adoption-focused lawyers across Tennessee who are my peers and friends. I’m comfortable that...

A tweak to the federal adoption tax credit will put $5000 into some adoptive families’ pockets

The adoption tax credit is a lovely thing. It offers a direct financial benefit to families who adopt. The benefit is better for families who adopt special needs children. There is much written about the policy and mechanics of the federal adoption tax credit. It is...

Publication on Missing Respondent Birth Parents Just Got Harder and More Expensive

Have a look at 2025 TN Public Chapter 500.   Basically, it requires that when we give notice by publication in a newspaper, we must also publish in a paid local online platform, where one exists. But the TN Press Association already has a free...