The Woodlands adoption lawyers of the BB Law Group PLLC know that adopting a child or an adult into your family is meant to be a joyful experience. However, the legal difficulties associated with adoption can turn this into a stressful, lengthy process. As such, it may be in your family’s best interest to entrust the legal component of your adoption to a qualified lawyer who has the tools and resources necessary to successfully complete this process.
If you are considering adoption but are concerned about the legal intricacies, you should discuss your situation with a dedicated Woodlands adoption attorney who fully understands the process and the complications involved. Contact the BB Law Group PLLC today at (832) 534-2589 to speak with an experienced member of our legal team and learn more about what we can do to help you in this exciting phase of your life.
How We Can Help
There are many different forms of adoption that an individual or couple may choose to pursue, all with their own legal challenges. At the BB Law Group PLLC, we have the knowledge and experience necessary to assist people with a variety of adoption cases, including:
- Domestic adoption
- Foreign adoption
- Adoption of an adult
- Adoption by a step-parent
- Same-sex adoption
- Adoption by a grandparent / relative
A qualified Woodlands adoption lawyer can help you avoid the legal mistakes that may significantly delay or even derail your adoption, so do not hesitate to contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The joy of adopting a familiar member can sometimes lead to more questions than answers, and our dedicated team of lawyers is prepared to support you through this entire process. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact our firm. You can reach BB Law Group PLLC by calling (832) 534-2589, chatting with us through our website, or filling out a contact form here.
How does the adoption process differ between adoption agencies and private entities?
The state of Texas allows both agency and private adoptions. When parents choose to work with an agency to adopt, they will apply directly to the agency, and the agency will notify the parents when they have been matched with a child. The agency will locate a birth mother and work as a mediator between the adoptive parents and the birth mother. Parents that choose a private adoption will need to find a birth mother independently; Texas law prevents attorneys from locating birth mothers for adoptive parents.
Can I adopt a child from a birth mother who lives in another state?
Yes, but you will have to ensure that the adoption process follows the law for both states. That will require two lawyers (one from each state). There will also be additional paperwork, such as submitting documentation to the Interstate Compact and being approved by the Compact Administrator. The process generally takes 7-10 business days. During that time, you will not be able to return to Texas with your newly adopted child.
Can a birth parent visit the child after the adoption process takes place?
This is sometimes referred to as an open adoption, where the adoptive parents and birth parents arrange some sort of agreement where limited contact is permitted after the child has been adopted. However, there is no obligation to allow ongoing contact once the child has been adopted, and Texas law only recognizes open adoption contracts under certain conditions.
What legal steps does the adoption process involve?
The legal process depends on the details surrounding your individual circumstance. If both the adoptive parents and the birth mother live in Texas, the adoptive parents will assume custody in the state. The court will grant the termination of parental rights, and the adoptive parents will be recognized as managing conservators. “Managing conservators” is the title given by the state of Texas to describe legal guardians.
If the adopted child comes from out of state, the lawyers from each state will need to determine where the termination of parental rights needs to take place. Adoption laws vary between states, and your lawyer may need to explore which options are in your best interest before moving forward with the adoption process. Some states do not terminate parental rights. Instead, these states use parental consent for adoption. In this instance, the termination of parental rights will need to occur in Texas to fulfill the statutory obligations for a legal adoption.
The process to terminate parental rights in Texas is usually swift. You must care for the child for at least six months, and then the court will need to conduct a social study, review a genetic history, and consult a criminal history report. After that, the process of adoption will be complete.
Contact Us
At the BB Law Group PLLC, we can help make sure that you meet all the established requirements for your adoption. Contact our offices today at (832) 534-2589 to speak with our Woodlands adoption attorneys about your situation and learn more about your rights and options under the law.
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