When you are ready to expand your family, you may consider adoption. We understand that the process can be stressful and overwhelming. However, a family law attorney can help after you identify the licensed adoption agency through which you want to adopt. Whether going the foster-to-adopt route or pursuing an international placement, an experienced adoption attorney can guide you through the Texas adoption process and help you avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
Types of Adoption in Texas
Texas has three types of adoption: private adoption, international adoption, and adoption through Child Protective Services (CPS). Although private adoptions are generally limited to newborn adoptions, you can adopt a child of any age in an international adoption. When seeking to adopt through CPS, you will be adopting a child who has been removed from high-risk circumstances. When you are ready to start the adoption process, our attorney can explain your options and answer all your questions about adopting a child in Texas, from eligibility requirements to finalizing the placement.
Basic Requirements to Adopt in Texas
Determining adoptive parent eligibility is a critical aspect of the adoption process. Specifically, minimum requirements exist before you can apply, including:
- Age – You must be at least twenty-one years old.
- Financial stability – The agency will evaluate whether you can financially provide for the child.
- Background check – The agency will conduct a background check to ensure you can be an adoptive parent. Specifically, they will investigate whether you have a criminal history or are a registered sex offender.
The agency will interview you and likely request references to further evaluate you as a prospective parent. The references you must provide may include friends, family members, and co-workers who can speak to your character.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Texas Adoption Process
According to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), you will complete the following steps in the adoption process. After the initial orientation, during which you can learn about the agency’s program and services, you can expect the following:
- Home study – The adoption agency you choose will conduct a background check and adoption home study before approving your application. A home study is an interview that an agency representative performs to ensure your home is safe for a child.
- Matching – Once your home study is approved, the agency will try to match you with a child. The matching process partly depends on whether you choose an “open” or “closed” adoption. An open adoption means that you meet the birth parents and stay in contact after the adoption under agreed-upon terms. In a closed adoption, you may receive some information about the child’s family, but you do not meet them.
- Training and support – Your agency will provide you with the necessary training and support you need when you are matched with your child.
- Placement and post-placement assistance – The agency must supervise you during the initial six months of the child’s placement before the adoption finalization. Post-placement supervision is critical to ensuring the placement is successful. Exceptions to this requirement may exist for international adoptions.
- Finalization – Adoption finalization has specific legal requirements, including the birth parents’ termination of parental rights. Your attorney will assist you with all process aspects, including the adoption petition and any court hearings.
- Counseling – Once the adoption is finalized, the adoption agency must offer counseling services to you and your adopted child.
Timeline and Costs of Adoption in Texas
Every adoption case differs, but Texas families generally wait nine to eighteen months to adopt a child. Several factors influence the cost of adoption, but a private domestic adoption typically ranges between $30,000 and $65,000. The type of adoption, the length of the matching process, and even birth parent decisions can affect the overall cost. For example, foster care or CPS adoption is often less expensive, as the state may cover some costs.
The costs associated with adoption also depend on the adoption agency fees, which can vary widely. These may include the home study fees and counseling expenses. Further, financial assistance for the birth mother may also increase the cost. Finally, legal fees can also significantly impact the price.
Contact Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P. Today
When you are ready to start the adoption process, look no further than Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P.. We have the legal skills and knowledge to walk you through the process. We understand that navigating the adoption process alone can seem intimidating. Rest assured that the adoption attorneys in Texas at our firm are dedicated to making your adoption as smooth as possible. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and take the first step toward securing the necessary benefits. Contact us online or today at (210) 349-9933 to get started in a confidential consultation.
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