Fort Worth Adoption Attorney

• Cost isn't a barrier (international adoption often requires flying to and from different countries multiple times and can be quite expensive);
• You want to adopt a child from a different culture;
• You don't mind waiting to adopt (international adoption often takes significantly more time than the other options).

If you're considering adopting, you should speak with a reputable Fort Worth adoption lawyer to explore the different types of adoption further and settle on whatever option is best for your family.

Stepparent Adoptions

One of the most common types of adoptions we handle is stepparent adoption. While it is wonderful when a stepparent wants to adopt and raise a stepchild as his or her own, there are important legal issues that must be handled properly by a knowledgeable attorney.

The first issue to address in a stepparent adoption is the termination of the biological parent’s rights. This is a very complex issue and for good reason, as the termination of parental rights is irrevocable. 

Our Fort Worth adoption attorneys focus on making sure that parents and children understand the implications of adoption so that a positive solution can be reached efficiently.

The Texas Adoption Process Step by Step

Every adoption follows a series of clear steps, but the specific requirements can vary depending on the type of adoption. The process generally starts when prospective parents apply to adopt and complete a background check. Next, families participate in a home study where a social worker evaluates the living environment, interviews household members, and ensures that the setting is stable and welcoming for a child. Once cleared, families work with placement agencies or the state to match with a child. After a match is made, there is often a period of supervised visitation or placement, which allows everyone to adjust and ensures the fit is right. Throughout this process, legal counsel helps families navigate paperwork, filing deadlines, and court appearances. The final step involves a court hearing where a judge reviews all documentation and, if criteria are met, finalizes the adoption. At that point, the adoptive parents receive the legal rights and responsibilities for the child. Understanding each step in advance makes the journey less stressful, and having an attorney on your side helps ensure you don't miss important requirements or deadlines. If you want to build your family through adoption, working with a legal team who understands the process in Texas can help guide you from the initial application all the way to the final court appearance.

Termination of Parental Rights in Texas

For any adoption to occur, the biological parents must agree to relinquish their parental rights. In certain circumstances, parental rights can be terminated without the parent’s express consent.

The voluntary termination of parental rights is most often seen in situations where a parent who is not involved in his child's life relinquishes his parental rights to clear the path for a stepparent adoption. 

However, in many instances, the parent has been out of the picture for so long that an attempt must be made to locate him and provide notice of the adoptive parent’s wish to terminate his rights. Once all attempts to make contact with the parent have failed, the termination process can legally begin.

Another reason that a parent may decide to terminate parental rights is to excuse themselves from the obligations of having to pay child support.

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the requirements for adopting a child in Texas?

To adopt a child in Texas, prospective adoptive parents must be at least 21 years old, undergo a background check, complete a home study, and attend parenting classes. Additional requirements may vary based on the type of adoption.

Do I need an attorney to adopt a child in Texas?

While it's not legally required, having an attorney helps navigate the complex legal processes, ensuring all paperwork is completed correctly and your rights are protected.

Can same-sex couples adopt in Texas?

Yes, Texas allows same-sex couples to adopt, either jointly or as individuals. Both partners can be named as legal parents.

Can a single person adopt a child in Texas?

Yes, single individuals are eligible to adopt in Texas, provided they meet all other legal requirements.

How long does the adoption process typically take?

The duration of the adoption process varies widely depending on the type of adoption. Domestic adoptions can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years, while international adoptions often take longer due to additional legal requirements and procedures.

Can birth parents change their minds after placing a child for adoption?

In Texas, birth parents have a revocation period of up to 10 days after signing the relinquishment papers to change their minds and reclaim parental rights.

Can a biological parent reclaim their rights after an adoption is finalized?

Once an adoption is finalized and the biological parent's rights have been terminated, those rights cannot be reclaimed. This is a permanent legal action, and the adoptive parents gain full parental rights.

What if the birth father is unknown or cannot be found?

In cases where the birth father is unknown or cannot be located, the court will attempt to notify him, and if no response is received, his parental rights may be terminated by default.

Contact Our Adoption Lawyer in Fort Worth Today

From your first meeting with our Fort Worth adoption lawyers through the conclusion of your case, you can count on our firm to deliver family law services tailored to your circumstances. For attentive service and peace of mind during a complex process, choose our team of dedicated professionals.

Contact our office online or at (817) 497-8148 today to get started with our Fort Worth adoption attorney. We represent clients from Tarrant, Parker, Johnson, Wise, Hood, Denton, Somervell, and Jack Counties.