Dawn’s Law Blog

News, Opinions, and Resources for Legal Professionals

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...

Tennessee’s best interest factors are now BETTER

On April 22, 2021, the Governor signed HB200/SB205, new factors for judges to consider to determine the best interest of a child in a termination of a parental rights case. My detailed analysis is HERE.

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...

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Looking for the Definitive Text on Tennessee Adoption Law? The 8th Edition of Coppock on Tennessee Adoption Law is expected to release December 2023

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