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breecb
Jan 27, 2015, 07:04 AM
I have two daughters they have always lived with me we live in Tennessee and there biological father lives in Oklahoma. My fance wants to adopt my girls. There biological father wants to voluntary sign over his rights because he wants what is best for them. He cant be a dad to them and he also wants my fiancé to adopt them. I know me and my fiancé need to be married before any of this can happen but other than that what do I need to do. Im clueless.

J_9
Jan 27, 2015, 07:19 AM
Their, not there.

Here in Tennessee you must be married for a year. Once you reach that milestone your husband can petition the court for adoption.

Until then their father cannot relinquish rights. You will need an attorney to guide through this process properly.

ScottGem
Jan 27, 2015, 08:14 AM
You can't put the cart before the horse. This is a package deal. The termination of rights will be allowed as part of the adoption, not separately. After you have been married for a year, your husband files for a step parent adoption. I would not suggest that you do this without an attorney. I would start shopping around for an attorney now. Find out what you need and costs so you can save up and prepare.

Since the father is agreeable, this should be simple and straightforward.

Fr_Chuck
Jan 27, 2015, 07:12 PM
Agree, normally Tennessee is wanting a year of marriage but I have heard of cases where they have allowed less, if a long term relationship is proved.

Adoption is a complex legal process and you really need an attorney. The attorney will do the paper work for the adotpion and the change of rights, it all happens together. So at the moment the adoption is approved, the rights are terminated.