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SB 1005

Adoption - As enacted, allows petitioners to include all children in one adoption petition if the petitioners are seeking to adopt more than one child at the same time, unless the court issues a written order finding that it is in the best interest of the children that separate petitions be filed; specifies that the clerk of court must charge only one filing fee for such a petition. - Amends TCA Title 18; Title 36 and Title 37.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ferrell Haile

Tennessee allows single adoption petitions for multiple simultaneous children, reducing filing fees unless courts find separate petitions serve each child's best interests.

Pub. Ch. 386
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Bill Summary · SB 1005

Legislative bill overview

SB 1005 streamlines multi-child adoptions in Tennessee by allowing petitioners to file a single adoption petition for multiple children adopted simultaneously, rather than requiring separate petitions. The court can only order separate petitions if it makes a written finding that doing so serves the children's best interests. Filing fees are reduced to one charge per petition regardless of the number of children included.

Why is this important

This change reduces administrative burden and costs for adoptive families pursuing multiple children at once, which is common in kinship adoptions and sibling placements. Lower filing fees and simplified procedures may encourage adoption while maintaining judicial oversight through the court's discretionary authority to separate cases when warranted.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost savings vs. judicial scrutiny: Consolidating petitions reduces fees but may limit individual case-by-case examination of each child's circumstances if courts process them as a package rather than individually.
  • Best interest determination: The standard for when courts should require separate petitions is subjective; unclear guidance could lead to inconsistent application across jurisdictions.
  • Sibling bond considerations: While keeping siblings together during adoption may benefit bonding, consolidation could obscure unique needs or complications specific to individual children that separate proceedings might highlight.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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