Tennessee § 36-1-122 - Binding effect of adoption.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-1-122 — Binding effect of adoption., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 36-1-122. Binding effect of adoption.

When a child is adopted pursuant to this part, the adoptive parents shall not thereafter be deprived of any rights in the child, at the insistence of the child's biological or prior legal parents or guardian of the child or any other person or agency except in the same manner and for the same causes as are applicable in proceedings to deprive biological or legal parents or guardians of their children or wards as provided by law. After the final order of adoption is entered, no party to an adoption proceeding, nor anyone claiming under such party, may later question the validity of the adoption proceeding by reason of any defect or irregularity therein, jurisdictional or otherwise, but shall be fully bound by the order, except for such appeal as may be allowed by law. In no event, for any reason, shall an adoption be overturned by any court or collaterally attacked by any person or entity after one (1) year from the date of entry of the final order of adoption by a court of competent jurisdiction. This provision is intended as a statute of repose. The failure of the clerk of the court, the department, a licensed child-placing agency, or a licensed clinical social worker to perform any of the duties or acts with the time requirements of this part shall not affect the validity of any adoption proceeding. Acts 1951, ch. 202, §§ 27, 30 (Williams, §§ 9572.41, 9572.44); impl. am. Acts 1975, ch. 219, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 36-127; § 36-1-127 ; Acts 1995, ch. 532, § 1. Compiler's Notes. Former § 36-1-122 (Acts 1951, ch. 202, § 29 (Williams, § 9572.43); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 36-122), concerning guardians, was repealed by Acts 1995, ch. 532, § 1, effective January 1, 1996. Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 20 Tenn. Juris., Parent and Child, §§ 21, 22. Law Reviews. A Critical Survey of Developments in Tennessee Family Law in 1976-77, V. Children (Neil P. Cohen), 45 Tenn. L. Rev. 451 (1978).

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 36-1-122

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-1-122 cover?

Section 36-1-122 ("Binding effect of adoption.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 36-1-122?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-1-122" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 36-1-122 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.