Adoption

Have you considered adoption? It can be a daunting process, but it may just be the most rewarding thing you do in your life! To help you out on your journey, we want to give you a bird’s eye view of the Texas adoption process.

Texas Adoption Process

If you have decided to move forward with adoption, congratulations! This is a big step and you are about to embark on quite the journey. You join many other Texas families in the adoption community. Texas permits single and married adults to adopt so long as they are at least 21 years of age, financially stable, and:

• Provide references
• Provide proof of marriage, when applicable
• Provide proof of divorce, when applicable
• Complete a home study
• Submit to a criminal background check and child abuse check (along with all other adults living in the household)
• Complete an adoption application

After deciding to adopt, the next big decision will be what type of adoption you wish to pursue. While some have their hearts set on adopting an infant, others are open to adopting older children.
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Adoption has greatly evolved over the years. In the past, closed adoptions were pretty much the norm. A birth parent would place a child up for adoption and ties would, essentially, be severed.
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For many people, adoption is an answer to prayers. Individuals or couples seeking to have a baby and unable to do so, those eager to provide a home for a child in need, a stepparent who can’t wait to be the legal parent of a child already loved, or pregnant teenagers seeking adoring parents for the baby they can’t take care of -- all find solace in the possibility of adoption. All also have concerns about the variables and complexities involved in the adoption process. For this reason, they all require the services of an

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Is the new Tennessee bill in violation of the United States Constitution?

In a controversial move, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a bill that allows adoption agencies to refuse to place adoptive children with same-sex parents. The law, which already took effect, gives adoption agencies who believe that same-sex households violate the agency’s written religious or moral beliefs. According to the governor and supporters of the bill, the purpose of the measure is to protect religious freedom. Now, adoption agencies with a religious focus can freely deny LGBTQ parents without fear of a lawsuit or loss of public funding. Many are questioning, however, is this bill legal on the federal level? Same-sex Read more . . .

Being a parent is full of joys and challenges. The unique role of a stepparent can present its own unique joys and challenges. A stepparent can fill an important and special role in the life of a child. It is only natural for a stepparent who has developed a bond with a stepchild to want to take the relationship a step further and have legal parental status regarding the stepchild. The stepparent

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What is the process to complete a domestic adoption in the state of Texas?

Adoption can be a wonderful process, offering the adopted child a much-needed home while fulfilling the desire of the adopting parents to welcome a new child into their home. If you are considering adoption, one of the first steps in the process will be deciding what type of adoption you wish to pursue. There are three main types of adoption: domestic infant adoption, international adoption, and foster care adoption. Each type of adoption varies in the process, time to completion, and cost. Below, our Read more . . .

Will I be able to choose the adoptive couple for my baby?

Electing to put your baby up for adoption is a brave and love filled decision, requiring that you put the interests of your child above your own. If you are pregnant and weighing the thought of placing your child up for adoption, you will naturally have many questions and concerns. Our Midland, Texas adoption lawyers answer some questions that you may have as a mother weighing the option of adoption.

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Can I adopt my stepchild if his or her absent biological parent will not consent?

Millions of stepparents across the country are raising their stepchildren. Adopting a stepchild can be a wonderful way to create a permanent legal bond. Stepparent adoptions are the most common form of adoption and the adoption process can be completed far quicker than other forms of adoption.

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How long does it take to complete an international adoption?

Internationally, there are over eight million orphans awaiting a family of their own.  Couples wishing to adopt have several options when it comes to adoption. One of the first choices a family will often make is whether to adopt domestically or internationally.  Several high profile adoptions by Hollywood stars like Angelina Jolie and Madonna have led to more Americans considering international adoption.  Domestic adoptions, however, continue to be more prevalent than international adoptions.
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What is the process to adopt a child from foster care?

Recently, Bastrop County held a special adoption day.  Twenty-eight children from 17 different families found forever homes at the Bastrop County Courthouse as a part of November’s National Adoption Awareness Month.  In a courtroom lovingly decorated with balloons and banners, adoptions were processed one by one.  The newly formed families cheered as their long-held dreams became a reality with the
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What is the legal process for adopting a child in foster care?

There are over 30,000 children currently in foster care in Texas.  While some kids in foster care will ultimately be reunited with their biological parents, many more are in need of a new family though adoption.  Children available for adoption range in age from infants to older teens.  Some foster kids have siblings who are also in need of adoption, while others are special needs.  Electing to adopt a child from the foster care system can be a wonderful choice for both the child and your family.
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