Adoptions can take various forms, some of which involve preexisting relationships, and others of which do not. For instance, one common type is stepparent adoption. In most cases, the child already lives with a biological parent and stepparent and has done so for an extended period, so the adoption is a legal formality that reinforces their existing relationship.
Relatives also may adopt children in some cases, such as when their biological parents are unable to take care of them. This process may occur as a result of involvement by the state concerning abuse or neglect to the child or may result from a private agreement among grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, or others.
Several other types of adoptions are available as well, including international adoptions of children from different countries and private adoptions that occur with the help of agencies. Parents with fertility challenges also may adopt a child carried by a surrogate. A skilled attorney in Chattanooga could assist with any of these types of adoption to ensure their legal validity.