San Antonio Adoption Attorneys

When you adopt a child, you are making one of the most rewarding and impactful decisions of your life. The effect on your life, and the life of your adoptee, is tremendous. However, people oftentimes do not realize the number and variety of hurdles and red tape they will have to face when beginning the adoption process. Adopters already face an emotional roller coaster without the added stress of long meetings with adoption agencies and paying exorbitant adoption fees.

For a smooth transition into your new life, a legal professional is an invaluable asset. The San Antonio adoption attorneys at Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P. have in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of the adoption process and will guide you through this life-changing period with ease and professionalism. Contact us at (210) 349-9933 to set up a consultation with a lawyer today.

Adoption Practice Areas

Despite the simple process portrayed in Hollywood, adoption requires that you answer a wide variety of personal questions in order to prove you are fit to adopt. In addition, the legal proceedings differ based on the specific type of adoption you are engaging in. The process of adopting your step-child is radically different from adopting a child from overseas. Fortunately, the family attorneys at Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P. have decades of experience they are ready to deploy for you. At Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P. we represent clients in adoption proceedings ranging from infant adoption to stepchild adoptions. These situations include:

Everyone interested in adoption has likely heard horror stories of agreements falling through on technicalities. The heavily regulated adoption industry can be a cold place for an uninformed and unrepresented hopeful parent. Do not enter the process alone. An attorney protects your rights and submits the paperwork correctly and on time. When the tiniest missed detail can sink your hopes of adopting, leave nothing to chance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the adoption process take?

If you are interested in adoption, there are several steps you must take in order to adopt a child into your family. The process usually differs in length based on the type of adoption you are pursuing as well as the particular situation for the child being adopted. An attorney can help speed your adoption up by notifying you when you need to take the next steps in the adoption process and helping you be prepared for the next steps you will have to take. The adoption process typically consists of pre-placement, placement, and post-placement. The pre-placement will consists of a home study, which is a series of meeting with the social worker to determine if your household is a good house for children and to determine if you are a good fit for adoption. However, once your home study is complete, the adoption process can be relatively speedy. Once you receive a child for placement, you must undergo post-placement which is where the agency you went through supervises you home for a length of time before finalization. Please note, families interested in adopting a special needs child are usually given priority over others.

How is adopting a stepchild different from other forms of adoption?

Adoption can come in many different forms and adopting a stepchild can be very different from adopting from an agency. In step-parent adoptions, consent from the other birth parent is required. However, if the parental rights of the other parents have been terminated due to neglect, abuse, unfitness, abandonment, or failure to pay child support, then consent is not required. It may be difficult to obtain consent from the other parent, and if the other parent is not willing to give consent, it is important to seek legal counsel to help prove any of the above requirements for loss of consent. If it can be proven that the other parent has not paid child support, is unfit, etc., then parental rights may be relinquished.

Why do I need a lawyer to help with my adoption?

At Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P., we understand that while you may be very interested in adoption, you may be unfamiliar with the process and what it takes to legally adopt a child into your family. While there are many different ways to go about adopting a child, there are a lot of things to consider. Is your adoption open or closed? Should you work with an agency adoption agency or independent or private agency? Should you adopt internationally? Our adoption attorneys have years of experience helping families just like you through their adoption journey. We will help you through each step in the process working to make the adoption as easy as possible for you and your family. We will let you know what is required to move forward and we are dedicated to protecting your rights and the rights of the child that you are bringing into your family.

Contact a San Antonio Adoption Attorney For The Help You Need

When considering adoption, the attorneys at Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P. are in a good position to guide you through each step of the process. Contact the San Antonio attorneys at Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P. today by calling us at (210) 349-9933 and speaking with a professional legal representative. Adoption grants the opportunity to change your life, and the life of a child, forever. When embarking on this rewarding but perilous journey, allow the lawyers at Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P. to guide the way.