Texas Adoption
Adoption is a magical time for both the adoptive parents and the child. Our Family Law Specialists are here to make the legal side of adoption fast and easy, so you can focus on spending time with your new child. Any Houston family attorney from our firm can help with all types of adoptions, including:
- International Adoptions
- Stepparent Adoptions
- Relative Adoptions
- Uncontested Adoptions
- Contested Adoptions
Adopting a child in Texas comes with many considerations. Whether you are adopting domestically or internationally, stepparents, relatives, or through an uncontested or contested process, there is a lot to learn about the legal process and what it takes to become an adoptive parent. Here is an overview of adoption in Texas to help you get started.
International Adoptions
Parents who wish to adopt from outside of the United States must comply with the requirements of both their home state and the country from which they plan to adopt. In most international adopts the foreign nation’s laws must be followed before a court in Texas can approve the adoption. An experienced attorney with knowledge of international laws can help ensure that the adoption process in both states goes as smoothly as possible.
Stepparent Adoptions
Stepparents who wish to adopt their spouses’ children will need to show proof that any existing parental rights have been terminated by either consent or by court order before the adoption can be finalized. This can involve filing termination-of-parental rights paperwork with the court along with evidence of the other spouse’s consent. An attorney with experience in stepparent adoptions can help guide couples through this process.
Relative Adoptions
When a child’s biological parents are unavailable due to death, illness, or other circumstances, relatives may step in and adopt the child. Relative adoptions differ from other types of adoptions in that they typically require proof that the potential parents have been involved in the child’s life for some time prior to making an adoption request. Additionally, home studies may not be required when relatives file an adoption petition.
Uncontested Adoptions
In uncontested adoptions, both birth parents have willingly signed away their rights as parents through either private agreements or with the proper court documents. An attorney experienced in adoption law can provide guidance through the proceedings and ensure that all documents are filed correctly and timely.
Contested Adoptions
Contested adoptions occur when one or both birth parents contest the adoption. In these cases, both sides may appear in court to argue their case. Contested adoptions tend to be more difficult and time-consuming than uncontested ones, and require experienced legal representation.
While it is obvious that some areas of adoption law, such as international or contested adoptions, have more legal technicalities than other areas, the complexities involved with all adoptions need the focused eye of a Houston family attorney. We can help you with every step of the adoption process, from the initial paperwork to the finalization.
When you are prepared to start the adoption process, contact a Houston family attorney from our Family Law Specialists. Each Houston divorce lawyer at our firm is highly experienced in adoption law. We will help you navigate the sea of legal issues that can arise during an adoption. We are looking forward to helping you expand your family.