Legal Question in Family Law in Tennessee

rights of stepparent w/o adoption

I have a 6 year old son from a previous relationship, in which I was not married, I have since gotten married (4 years) and my husband wants to adopt the child. I have only received one check from the biological father (support was never ordered)and I have had no contact with him since 1996, does he have any rights? I have already hired an investigator to find him. Also, do I have to hire an attorney, we make a good living but, we've been told it will cost around $1500.00 to $2500.00 for the adoption process, and with 3 children that's a lot of money. THANK YOU


Asked on 8/22/00, 10:19 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Jes Beard Jes Beard, Attorney at Law

Re: rights of stepparent w/o adoption

Around Chattanooga where I practice, the fees you quoted are in line with what you could expect to pay for an adoption like you describe.... and it could well be much more if the bio-dad for some reason decides to fight the adoption.

While you are not required to hire an attorney, you also are not REQUIRED to use a doctor for heart surgery..... but I would get one. The process is simply far to complicated to try yourself.

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Answered on 9/29/00, 8:00 am
David Waldrop Holley, Waldrop, Nearn & Lazarov P.C.

Re: rights of stepparent w/o adoption

Yes you do need an attorney. If the father agrees to terminate his rights, then it should not cost more than $1,000.

I have a good and reasonable investigator that I can recommend to you. Becareful because you can get ripped off.

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Answered on 9/29/00, 10:05 am


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