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Leading Parents Through The Complex Adoption Law Process
Adopting a child can be rewarding for the whole, but the legal process required to finalize the adoption often feels overwhelming. This is why you should hire a skilled adoption attorney who will guide you through the type of adoption that's right for you. At Kama' Law Firm, LLC, our legal team has assisted Texas clients a variety of adoption cases. Whether you want to adopt yourchild or pursue private adoption, we can help. Contact our Houston, TX law firm to arrange an initial consultation with a compassionate adoption attorney.
What Are The Types Of Adoption Cases In Texas?
HeIf you're ready to add a family member to your household you should consider what type of adoption you want to pursue. One of the most common choices private adoption. To initiate this process, you can contact adoption agency that will help you match with a baby or child who needs a home. During this time, you'll need to if you want to pursue an international or domestic adoption, and if you prefer it to be an open or closed adoption. Either way, you'll need lawyer to assist with the legal steps.
Another way to adopt is through foster care in which you provide a temporary home to a child who was removed from parents' care due to abuse or neglect While the intent of foster care is to take care of the child until it's safe for them to return to their parents, in some this doesn't occur, and they need a permanent home with a safe, loving family. At that point, you can apply to adopt the child you have been fostering. Even though your foster child may already feel like part of your family, need to complete the legal process to make this arrangement permanent, and your lawyer can help with this.
In some adoption cases, the adoptive parents have a particular child in mind that they would like to legally add to their family. This occurs in stepparent and relative adoption cases. So, if you've been caring for your stepchild, grandchild, niece, or nephew for years and want to officially adopt them, a adoption attorney will walk you through the process, which can only begin once the biological parents terminate their parental rights. Your lawyer will inform you of the next steps at that point.
Who Can Be An Adoptive Parent In Texas?
Before you start planning to adopt, you make sure you're eligible to do so. First, you must be at least 21 years old and in good mental and physical health. You must also have the financial ability to provide a safe home for a child, so be prepared to show that you can afford to meet their needs regarding housing, clothing, and other necessities.
In, you will need to pass a criminal background check and provide references stating that your lifestyle is safe and stable enough for a child. This will need to be confirmed during the home study of the adoption process.
Note that you can adopt a whether you're single or married. However, if you're married, your spouse must participate in the adoption process with you, meaning they must also pass a background check. If you're unsure if you meet these requirements, schedule a consultation our Houston, TX law firm to learn if you should proceed with your adoption case.
How Does The Adoption Process Work?
Once you know you're eligible to adopt and have a lawyer to guide you through the legal paperwork, you might have questions about what's next. The process typically starts with determining what kind of adoption you want to pursue so you can fill out the initial application. During this time, the agency will complete background checks, consider your financial documents, and review your references. They will then schedule a time to visit your house for the home study.
If the agency approves your application, they will try to match you with a child based on the type of private adoption you're interested in. If you want to adopt a relative or stepchild, you can skip the matching step and continue to care for the child in your home until it's time to sign the documents finalizing the arrangement.
One of the last steps involves the biological parents signing a form that terminates their parental rights. At that point, as long as you meet the qualifications as an adopt parent and the judge determines that the child is safe and comfortable in your care, they can finalize the adoption. Your Houston, TX attorney will answer your and assist with paperwork along the way, so call our law offices if you're ready for legal help as you expand your family.
Do You Need To Speak With An Adoption Attorney In Houston, TX?
At Kamal Law Firm, PLLC, we're committed to providing legal advice and reassurance to clients hoping to offer a child a safe, loving place in their home. Whether you want to adopt a newborn through an agency or wish to finalize the adoption of your grandchild, we'd be happy to help you with the legal steps involved in officially becoming the child's parent in the eyes of the law. We understand the importance of getting the legal requirements right the first time, so you don't have wait longer than necessary to finalize the process. We also know you'll need answers right away, which is why we make it a point to reply to clients within 24 hours. If you're ready to start the adoption process, call 713-524-4529 speak with a caring adoption attorney in Houston, TX.