Dawn’s Blog

News, Updates and Resources for Legal Professionals and those who follow adoption law

Of course, you can adopt an adult in Tennessee!

This is not a debated or murky point of Tennessee law. You just can. I do 2 or 3 adult adoptions a year and I have for decades.  See Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-1-117(j).  (1) When the person sought to be adopted is eighteen (18) years of age or older, only the...

A Voice in Court for Foster Parents

Effective July 1, 2023 Big addition to foster parent's right to participate in hearings. T.C.A. §  37-2-415 (a)(17) - (Public Chapter 263)For some time, the court has been required to promptly notify foster parents of all court hearings regarding their foster...

Legislative Advocacy Video Plus Sample Letter

https://youtu.be/D-C9_Z5I2uI Click above to play the legislative advocacy video. Sample legislator letter below: Dear Senator (or Representative) Schmo: I live in XXXX (If you live in the lawmaker's district). I am an attorney/adoptive parent/ environmental...

Interesting, Dynamic, The Tennessee Adoption Code

Adoption is a microcosm of values, politics, psychology, economics, public policy, emotion and aggressively competing interests. It is interesting, dynamic, and, in the past three legislative sessions here in Tennessee, very active. Let’s hit the high points.

Are You Ready to Grow Your Family Through Adoption?

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