An Ally In All Your Family Law Matters

Dallas-Fort Worth Stepchild Adoption Lawyer Serving Collin, Tarrant, & Rockwall Counties

At the Shemesh Family Law, our principal attorney, Amber Shemesh, has regularly advocated for Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas parents who want to expand their family by adopting their stepchild. With more than a decade of experience, attorney Shemesh is skilled at guiding families through the stepchild adoption process and helping them avoid making common mistakes that can unnecessarily extend legal proceedings.

The Process For Adopting A Stepchild

From the outside, adopting a stepchild can seem complex. However, with some preparation, Texans can prevent common mishaps and handle these steps successfully:

  • Gain the biological parent’s consent
  • Complete a home study
  • File the petition
  • Attend the court hearing
  • Finalize the adoption

When attempting to perform each of these tasks, it is normal to find yourself confused. With attentive legal guidance, you can efficiently move through this process while limiting the potential for mistakes.

The Financial Implications Of Adopting A Stepchild

During the adoption process, many financial expenses will arise. Between the legal fees associated with the case, the cost of a home study and paying for an attorney, there are many upfront costs you should be aware of. In total, Texas parents can expect to pay upwards of $2,000.

To offset these costs, there are many assistance programs that offer financial support to families looking to adopt. In Texas, the Department of Family and Protective Services created the Adoption Assistance Program to help blended families cover the costs of medical care and adoption fees. Additionally, the program provides monthly payments to families who meet the specific criteria to qualify. For families who fall within the required household income range, applying for the federal Adoption Tax Credit may be beneficial. This tax credit awards families with up to $14,300 for adoption costs for each child.

How To Navigate Relationships With Biological Parents

If you are contemplating adopting your stepchild, it may be beneficial to speak with your partner, your stepchild and the other biological parent before doing so. While you legally need the other biological parent’s permission to finalize the adoption, it is also beneficial to foster a healthy relationship with them. Be sure to respect their relationship with their child and try to keep them involved in their life, if doing so is in the best interests of the child.

What are the legal obligations for legally adopting stepchildren in Texas?

Texas residents who wish to adopt their stepchild must first meet a few specific requirements before the courts will allow them to begin the adoption proceedings. First, you are required to be legally married to the child’s parent. Next, you must live in the same residence as the child for a minimum period of six months. If you meet both of these prerequisites, you will then need to gain the consent of the child’s other biological parent. In certain situations, this may be difficult as the other parent will need to forfeit their parental rights.

Once you have received consent from the other biological parent, you will need to have a home study and background check conducted. During this time, the condition of your home will be evaluated to determine if it is suitable for the child. Then, you will be subject to a background check to identify if you have a criminal past. Lastly, if the child is at least 12 years old, you may also need to receive their consent before legally adopting them. Judges who believe the adoption is in the child’s best interests can overrule this requirement.

How long will the stepchild adoption process take in Dallas, Fort Worth?

Once you have made the decision to adopt your partner’s biological child, it is common to wonder how long the stepchild adoption process will last. While the exact timeline can differ depending on your situation, the adoption process can generally last between a few weeks, when there are no apparent issues, to a couple of months or even a year, when the adoption is contested.

Do I need a lawyer for stepparent adoption in Texas?

The stepparent adoption process can be an exciting time as you look forward to growing your family and welcoming the stepchild into your life. However, adopting a stepchild is not a straightforward task. A family law attorney can ensure you understand the process before any action is taken. Additionally, a legal professional can help you meet all the legal requirements for stepchild adoption. While you are not lawfully required to hire an attorney to help during this time, doing so can significantly reduce the potential of legal issues arising and help you successfully adopt your stepchild.

Contact The Shemesh Family Law, For Adoption Advocacy

The adoption process can become complicated quickly when even minor legal problems appear. With support from the Shemesh Family Law, adoptive parents can feel reassured that they are in a strong position to move through the process successfully. To begin formalizing your parent-child relationship, contact our office by calling our staff at 214-432-2501 or emailing us today.