Adoption Attorney

Adoption

Adoption is a process whereby a person assumes the parenting of another, usually a child, from that person’s biological or legal parent or parents, and, in so doing, permanently transfers all rights and responsibilities, along with filiation, from the biological parent or parents. Unlike Guardianship, adoption is intended to effect a permanent change in status and as such requires societal recognition, either through legal or religious sanction.
Who can place a child for adoption?
Either a birth parent or a licensed child-placing agency may place a child

How do I find a licensed child-placing agency?

Contact the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at (512) 438-4800 and they can provide you a list of agencies.

Texas Adoption Process

Before an adoption can be finalized, the parental rights of at least one of the birth parents must be terminated by court order. Next, a petition for adoption must be filed with the proper court. If the petitioner is married, both spouses must join in the petition for adoption, and the child must live with the adoptive parents for at least six months. An ad litem for the child may be appointed and a social study, background check, and criminal history check of the adoptive parents must be performed. If the adoptive parents are the petitioners in the termination suit, the social study report must be completed and filed with the court before the court can terminate the parental rights of the birth parents. It will then be updated at the time of the adoption. A health, social, education, and genetic history report of the child must also be prepared (except in a stepparent adoption). Once these matters have been completed, a hearing is held for the court to determine if the adoption is in the best interest of the child.

The Family Law Attorneys at The Pinkerton Law Firm have the experience, knowledge, and compassion to guide you through the process of Adoption.