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The Adoption Process in Texas
Congratulations on your decision to grow your family through adoption! Adoption is an exciting and life-changing step, but it can feel like uncharted territory, especially if you don’t know other people who have gone through the process. Thankfully, countless books, support networks, and community resources are available to help you prepare.
Adoption is also an emotional journey. After all, you’re opening your heart and home to a new family member. If this is your first child, you’ll also be adjusting to the realities of being a parent. Depending on your child’s age or background, they may have trauma or concerns they’re working through, such as prior abuse, feeling rejected by their birth parents, or cultural differences that you’ll want to understand and honor.
Why You Need An Adoption Lawyer
Unlike childbirth, adoption is a detailed legal process. Bringing a new child into your family can involve a lot of paperwork, procedures, and potential hurdles. That’s why hiring an experienced adoption attorney who can advise you through each step is so important.
In Texas, any adult may adopt another person. If the person adopting is married, their spouse must also consent to the adoption, unless one of them is the child’s biological parent. Additionally, if the child is 12 or older, they must give consent before the adoption can be finalized.
Different Types Of Adoptions
There are several types of adoption. One common route is domestic infant adoption, which involves adopting a baby born in the United States that the mother is unable to care for. These adoptions are typically done through an agency and require a thorough application process. In most cases, birth parents have a set period after the birth during which they can revoke their consent to the adoption.
International adoptions share many similarities with domestic adoptions, but they are often more complicated and time-consuming. You may need to travel abroad multiple times or arrange for an extended stay in the child’s country of origin. If you’re adopting internationally, securing American citizenship for your child is crucial. An adoption lawyer can help you with this.
Adopting through the foster care system is a meaningful path for many families. These children can range from infancy to early adulthood, and many come from challenging backgrounds. Parents hoping to adopt this way may need specialized training to support children who have experienced trauma. Some couples choose to become foster parents themselves, providing a safe and temporary home before making the commitment to adopt.
Another increasingly popular option is open adoption. This is where the adopted child maintains some level of contact or relationship with their birth family. If you choose this route, it’s important to have a detailed legal agreement in place that clearly outlines everyone’s rights, boundaries, and expectations.
People decide to adopt for many different reasons, and every family’s story is unique. However, no matter what kind of adoption you pursue, having qualified legal guidance is key to making the process as smooth as possible. At Eaton Family Law, we’re dedicated to helping families grow and thrive. If you’re ready to start your adoption journey or just have questions, we’re here for you. Give us a call today.
