Knoxville, Tennessee: Experienced Adoption Attorney
The adoption process can be relatively straightforward or extremely complex — depending on the specific circumstances of the adoption and the legal rules that govern the procedure. If you are considering an adoption, early advice from a knowledgeable adoption attorney can give you valuable insight into how the process works. Your lawyer can also help you arrange the adoption in ways that help minimize any bureaucratic stumbling blocks along the way.
Knoxville Adoption Attorney James R. LaFevor
James R. LaFevor has practiced law in the Knoxville area for more than three decades. Our law firm provides efficient legal services to couples and individuals seeking to adopt a child. We have significant understanding of the adoption rules and procedures that govern various types of adoptions, and we are known as an ethical law practice that provides professional service to our clients.
We have handled a variety of adoption proceedings, including:
- Private adoptions, in which we represent either the adopting family or the birth mother
- Agency adoptions
- Step-parent adoptions
Basic Information About Step-Parent Adoptions
A step-parent may wish to adopt his or her step-child. As a legal parent, the step-parent will have more influence over decisions involving the child, as well as more rights with regard to visitation should a divorce ever occur. Sometimes, a parent may wish to adopt in order to formalize a close relationship that already exists with the child.
If a step-parent wishes to adopt, the child's biological parent — often, but not always, the father — must first give up his parental rights. A biological parent may voluntarily relinquish parental rights. If this is not possible, it may be possible to ask the court to terminate parental rights for various reasons — for example, neglect, abuse or chronic failure to pay child support.
Get Early Legal Advice About Adoption Proceedings
Adoption should be a joyous occasion. We take great pride in providing legal services that lessen the headaches of the adoption process, so that families can leave the legal process behind and enjoy their new lives together.
We understand the challenges faced by people in the military and their family members. Mr. LaFevor served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971. He was stationed in both Germany and Vietnam, and was ranger qualified and airborne qualified. We offer discounts to active members of the military.
We offer complimentary initial consultations to all potential new clients. To schedule an appointment, call toll-free 866-752-2921, or contact us online.
