Welcome a new child into your family through legal adoption
OUR TRUSTED FORT WORTH ADOPTION ATTORNEYS CAN HELP
Though it’s not easy, expanding your family through adoption can be an incredible experience. If you are considering adoption, or have decided to adopt, consulting a Fort Worth adoption attorney should be one of the first steps you take. Our team at Lovelace Law, P.C. can help you know what to expect once you begin the adoption process.
You should know that the adoption process can take a number of months and involves many different legal organizations. The maze of paperwork and proceedings are best navigated (and more quickly completed) with the help of an attorney who is familiar with the national and state adoption process. Lovelace Law, P.C. has provided guidance with many successful adoptions for Texas families.
We can assist with:
- Infant adoptions
- Stepchild adoptions
- Foster care adoptions
- International adoptions
Advocating for you, both in and out of court
Not all adoptions are the same. Sometimes, adoption involves a parent terminating their parental rights. During this emotional time, it is important to have a legal team on your side — one with extensive knowledge of the laws governing the Texas adoption process and one advocating for your best interests.
At Lovelace Law, P.C., we look for common ground wherever possible, and seek out of court solutions to limit the impact on families. Developing an agreed outcome through the cooperation of all parties involved has many advantages. It preserves relationships and allows everyone involved to transition into their new lives in a more positive way. They are also more likely to adhere to the agreement, limiting future conflicts.
However, when it is in your best interest, we take your case to court and advocate strongly on your behalf. Whether your case requires strong aggressive litigation or can be resolved out of the courts, you’ll need smart, tough, seasoned professionals committed to excellence in everything they do.
Requirements for Adoption in Texas
Each state creates different guidelines that must be met by an adoptive parent(s). The Department of Family and Protective Services in Texas has outlined the following criteria for Texans wanting to adopt:
- 21 years of age or older
- Financially stable
- Responsible and mature
- Has completed an adoption application
- Shared background and lifestyle qualitative information
- Provided references
- If applicable, provided proof of marriage and/or divorce
- Completed a home study
- Submitted to a criminal background and child abuse check (including all adults in the household)
The state also requires all criminal checks for couples who live out-of-state to be performed in Texas.
On average, adopting a foster child can take anywhere from six to 18 months; adopting a newborn can take two to seven years; international adoptions can take up to six years or more. To meet all the legal requirements and prevent roadblocks to successful adoption, it’s important to work with a capable, responsible adoption attorney who knows what to do.
Contact our Fort Worth or Burleson, Texas, locations to set up a legal adoption services consultation with one of the adoption lawyers of Lovelace Law, P.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adoption in Texas
How long does the adoption process take in Texas?
The timeline varies based on the type of adoption. Private adoptions may take 6–18 months, while foster care adoptions are often completed within 6 months of placement.
Do I need an attorney for an adoption in Texas?
While not always required, an attorney ensures all legal documents are properly filed, represents you in court, and helps navigate any challenges during the adoption process.
What is the legal age to adopt a child in Texas?
In Texas, adoptive parents must be at least 21 years old and financially stable, with the ability to provide a safe and nurturing home.
Adoption Costs
Are there financial resources available to help with adoption costs?
Yes, adoptive parents may qualify for the federal adoption tax credit, grants, employer assistance programs, and subsidies for foster care adoptions.
Can adoption costs be reimbursed in Texas?
Families adopting through foster care often qualify for reimbursement of legal fees, travel, and other related expenses.
Legal Considerations
What are the legal requirements to adopt in Texas?
Adoptive parents must complete a home study, provide financial and personal references, and ensure the adoption meets the best interests of the child.
Do birth parents need to consent to the adoption?
Yes, both biological parents must typically consent unless their parental rights have been terminated by a court.
How is parental rights termination handled in Texas?
Parental rights can be voluntarily relinquished or involuntarily terminated by the court if it’s deemed in the child’s best interest.
Is a court appearance required for an adoption in Texas?
Yes, adoptive parents must attend a finalization hearing where the court grants the adoption decree.
Post-Adoption Support
What post-placement services are required after adoption?
In most cases, adoptive families must complete post-placement visits conducted by a licensed social worker before the adoption is finalized.
What legal documents are provided after adoption finalization?
Families receive an adoption decree and a new birth certificate reflecting the adoptive parents as the legal guardians.
Can I adopt a child in Texas if I live in another state?
Yes, but the adoption must comply with both Texas law and the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC).