Adoption

Adoption is a wonderful option for expanding your family, but the laws governing the process can be quite complex. Susan Mackenzie’s knowledge of Tennessee adoption law will help ensure that your adoption proceeds smoothly.

An adoption attorney will provide an unbiased explanation of adoption methods and resources and help you develop a legally secure plan tailored to your needs; explain your rights and the adoption laws in your state or refer you to adoption attorneys who practice in other states or internationally; assess the risks involved, including determining what costs are legally permissible and ensuring that the birth parents’ rights are legally terminated before placement is finalized.

For our LGBTQ+ families the best practice is to adopt our children even if both names are on the birth certificate. A name on a birth certificate only creates a presumption of parentage which can be challenged. A court order granting an adoption must be recognized by all 50 states. With changes that may occur in state legislatures and the Supreme Court, your marriage might not protect you, but a Decree of Adoption will.

If you are interested in pursuing an adoption in the Memphis area, including Shelby, Tipton and Fayette Counties, contact adoption lawyer Susan Mackenzie.