If it’s time for you to seek out a Colleyville TX Adoption Lawyer, we are here for you. If you’re not sure yet, that’s alright too! Adoption is a delicate process and it’s essential that you are very selective about how and when it’s done. But if you do choose to go through with it, you will need a responsible law firm on your side.
The common denominator for prospective parents here is the children. You could be adopting your third child as a stepparent, adding your same-sex partner to the birth certificate of your infant, or adopting a child as a single parent. Whatever the situation, you want to bring your family together. At The Fetty Firm, we want to help you do that and watch your family thrive.
In this article, we will discuss the law surrounding adoption in Texas, common obstacles you may encounter, and why The Fetty Firm can help you. You can find their contact information at the end of this article if you’d like to skip ahead. If not, let’s lay out our cards.
Texas Adoption Law
In the state of Texas, any adult can adopt. As long as you are over the age of 18, you may seek adoption services. However, you will have to keep the requirements of the agency you are acting through in mind. They may require your income to be above a certain number or that you are older than 25. These are just examples and varies among adoption professionals.
If you are married, you are required to adopt with your spouse. This continues to apply if you are legally separated but not legally divorced or if you wish to adopt your spouse’s child as a stepparent. You both must be a part of this process.
There are currently no laws that specify adoption laws for same-sex couples or single parents. Keep in mind that in 2017, Texas state passed a bill (called the Freedom to Serve Children Act) which allows adoption agencies to openly discriminate against gay couples. While they may turn you away, so it’s important to have an attorney on your side. As for single parents, it may be harder for you to attain an adoption, as there are many agencies who will turn you away as well.
Regardless of whether or not you fit any of these descriptors, you will need an attorney to adopt. You will be required to make court appearances as well as submit to a home study. Home study entails criminal background checks, home visits, interviews, and more.
The biological parents of the child you wish to adopt must first terminate their parental rights before you can adopt them. If you’re adopting a teenager or adult, you need their consent first. Any person over 12 years of age must willingly participate in the adoption.
Is My Family Ready For This?
Only you and your family can answer this question. If you are not sure, this may be a good time to seek family counseling. It is also important you do your research on family law issues in Texas so you know your rights and what you need to be prepared for. We know life is complicated and rarely clean-cut. Let’s take a look at some situations which would warrant an adoption.
Examples of Good Adoption Situations
Amy has just gotten married to Tori. Amy has a five-year-old daughter who loves Tori. They have been living together for a few years prior to the marriage, and Tori would like to adopt Amy’s daughter. Her daughter is also very excited about this. If Tori adopted her, that would give her parental rights over her step-daughter, which will be essential if she needs to pick her up from school or take her to the hospital. In the case Amy passes away, their daughter would automatically stay in the custody of Tori, who would be her legal guardian. Adoption is the right choice for this family.
Jason’s sister passes away, leaving her two kids behind. Since they have no other legal guardians, Jason and his wife want to adopt the children into their own family. It is important to Jason that his niece and nephew remain with the family that loves them, and he and his wife have their own child for them to play with. The oldest child is 12 years old and gives their written consent to be adopted by Jason and his wife. Adoption is the right choice for this family as well.
Lena and John are an older couple who never conceived. They have plenty of time and space for a child and want to enjoy being parents before they get too much older. Lena and John go to an adoption agency and meet a small child they connect with. They decide to adopt him. Adoption is the right choice for this family.
Can The Fetty Firm Help Me?
The Fetty Firm is prepared to cover all issues involving the family court. Take a moment to consider all of your legal needs. We can help with your adoption case, but we also take cases involving;
- Estate planning
- Child support cases
- Child custody cases
- Designation of Guardian
- Advanced Directive/Living Will
- and more, including divorces
The Fetty Firm wants to get you the best possible settlement and make sure your rights will never be disregarded. We can help!
Contacting The Fetty Firm
The Fetty Firm
Our representatives are ready to set up a consultation for you with Ms. Fetty. To get in contact with us, call (214)-546-5746 or fill out our contact form here. That way, we can get to working on your case as quickly as possible. In terms of legal battles, it is always best to get started as soon as we can. Don’t hesitate now that you have found the Colleyville TX Adoption Lawyer you need.
Fun Facts About Colleyville
- Colleyville is part of Tarrant county.
- It was first settled in the 1850s as a farming community.
- As of 2010, the population was reaching over 22 thousand people.
- Learn more about Tarrant county and Colleyville on the official website here