According to statistics from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, in the fiscal year 2019, more than 20,000 children left Texas foster care while about 6,107 were adopted. Adoption provides an opportunity for families to accept children in need of a home, care, and consistent love. If you are considering adopting a child in Texas, consulting with experienced Texas family law attorneys is crucial for proper guidance.
We are dedicated to providing experienced legal guidance and advocacy to potential parents in adoption-related matters. As your legal counsel, our team can review your unique situation, explore your possible legal options, and guide you through the entire adoption process. Whether you are wanting to understand how to initiate the adoption process or submit a request for private, international, Child Protective Services, or step-parent adoption in Texas, we will offer you the detailed counsel, support, and representation you need to navigate these key decisions.
Our team at The Torres Law Firm proudly represents clients across Corpus Christi, Texas, and the surrounding communities of Dallas and Fort Worth.
Adding to your family can be an exciting experience. The different types of adoption in Texas include:
According to Texas Family Code Section 162.001(a), an adult may petition to adopt a child who may be adopted. To be eligible to adopt a child in Texas, the person may either be single or married, but must be:
Pursuant to Texas Family Code Section 162.001(b), a child residing in this state may be adopted if:
According to Texas Family Code Section 162.010, the following people must consent to the adoption:
The steps involved in the adoption process include:
For prospective parents, it is important that you meet the eligibility conditions to adopt in your state. In Texas, only adults who are financially capable and can take up parental responsibility are eligible to adopt.
Adoption agencies in Texas offer orientation meetings and guidance to prospective adoptive parents. Through the orientation meetings, you can learn more about the adoption agency's specific program, adoption requirements, and other services.
Upon submitting your application to adopt a child, the adoption agency will carry out a comprehensive background check and a home study. Both must be done before your application can be approved. Through the home study, the adoption agency will get to know more about you, your family and ensure that your home is safe enough for the child.
Once your home study has been approved, the adoption agency will require you to sign a contract. After signing, the agency will match you with a child. Depending on your preference, you may have the option for a "closed" or "open" adoption.
As you wait to be matched with a child, the adoption agency will provide you with the training and support you need.
After matching you with a child and before finalizing the adoption, the agency will keep in touch with you for a period of time, usually six months. This is to ensure that the placement is successful. You can always voice concerns regarding the placement.
Finalizing a Texas adoption involves certain legal requirements, such as terminating the birth parents' rights. You may also be required to attend the adoption hearing. An attorney can help review your application and ensure that the adoption is in compliance with all applicable state laws.
Under Texas law, adoption agencies are required to offer counseling services to adoptive parents and adoptive children after finalizing the adoption. The counseling may be offered directly or through referrals.
The Texas adoption process involves a lot of complexities. Statutory requirements surrounding the adoption proceedings, determining whether you are eligible to adopt, filing necessary legal paperwork, and finalizing the adoption can make the entire process overwhelming. When considering adoption, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable Texas family law attorney for proper guidance and to help simplify the whole process.
We are highly experienced and knowledgeable in family law and adoption matters, including private and international adoptions. As your legal counsel, we will help you understand your available options, fill out the required paperwork, sign, and submit necessary documentation in court. Our attorneys will offer you the experienced legal guidance and advocacy you need throughout every step of the adoption process. We will ensure that all required state adoption laws are followed and help you complete the process smoothly and legally.
If you're considering adopting a child, contact us at The Torres Law Firm today to schedule a one-on-one case assessment. We can offer you the detailed guidance, support, and advocacy you need to navigate key decisions and ensure successful and legal adoption. We proudly represent individuals and families located across Corpus Christi, Dallas, and Fort Worth, Texas.