An Ally In All Your Family Law Matters

Collin County Adoption Lawyers Serving Plano, Frisco & McKinney

Whether you are hoping to adopt a relative, a stepchild, or a child in foster care, you may feel overwhelmed when thinking about beginning the adoption process. It may be relieving to know that this is normal, as the process can seem complicated from a bird’ s-eye view.

With counseling from our adoption lawyers at the Shemesh Family Law, families in the DFW Metroplex can gain an understanding of the process before taking any action. Our team of adoption attorneys can walk you through each step of the process to make sure you know what to expect and to ensure your case for adoption is as strong as possible.

How To Choose The Right Adoption Agency

Once you and your spouse or partner have made the decision that adoption is right for your family, finding an appropriate adoption agency should be your next goal. Before researching adoption agencies, though, it is crucial that you decide which type of adoption you will pursue. If you are petitioning for a private adoption, you may not need to work with an agency. For any other type of adoption, you will need an agency’s support.

Whether you are working with a local or national adoption agency, it is wise to read any applicable reviews from families with prior experience dealing with the organization. After conducting research, you may be able to obtain more information by calling the agency directly. You can then ask specific questions that pertain to your unique situation. After sufficiently researching the potential agencies, speaking with a local adoption attorney can help you make a final decision if you are still unsure.

What To Expect During A Home Study In Collin County

One of the adoption requirements you must meet before becoming a child’s legal parent is passing the home study. A home study involves a child welfare caseworker coming into your home to identify if the minor will be safe living there. The caseworker will conduct interviews with you and everyone else who resides in your home. You will also be compelled to provide documents containing personal information, such as a birth or marriage certificate. Furthermore, you will also need to submit a background check during this time.

While the home study process can seem daunting, you can make it easier on yourself by preparing in advance. To ensure your house is ready for an inspection, be sure to identify any potential hazards. Some of the most common household dangers to look for include broken locks, stairways with no railings and smoke detectors that are not working properly. Eliminating any safety hazards can show the social worker how serious you are about the adoption and caring for the child.

What are the different types of adoption available?

In Texas, there are many different types of adoption for families to consider before they begin the process. The first option for Texas families is a private adoption. In a private adoption, you will work directly with the birth mother or a non-government-run agency to facilitate the adoption. There is no obligation to involve an adoption agency, however.

Adoptive parents who are looking to bring a family member into their home will need to go through the relative adoption process. Those considering this option should know that you will need the consent of the child’s biological parents before moving forward. Otherwise, you may be granted parental rights if you have been caring for the child for an extended period. A judge can also name you the legal parent of the child if they believe it is in the child’s best interest.

The next option is a stepparent adoption, which is used by blended families. The biological parents will again need to terminate their rights. Courts may also ask the child for their preference if the child is 12 years of age or older.

The final option for Texas families is a foster care adoption. Families who take this path will likely adopt a child who is a little older than they would have if they utilized a different form of adoption. While this option might be more difficult than the rest, it will also be the most fulfilling for your family. Providing a foster care child with a new life and a forever home is a selfless act that can never be repaid.

Furthermore, each of these forms of adoption can either be open or closed, depending on the wishes of the birth parents. An open adoption involves the birth parents maintaining contact with their child following the placement of the minor into a new home. This will be agreed upon in a contract with the adoptive parents. A closed adoption is when the birth parents do not wish to stay in contact with the child or adoptive parents following the conclusion of the process. If you are considering adopting, be sure to find a local attorney who can provide insight and help you avoid commonly made mistakes.

How can an adoption attorney help navigate the legal process of adoption in Texas?

Successfully finalizing an adoption can be difficult without a legal professional guiding you. A North Texas adoption attorney can provide valuable assistance and ensure all of the adoption paperwork is filed correctly while additionally helping you meet the conditions required by the court. An adoption attorney can also outline what the home study process entails and help you prepare for it. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the adoption process in Texas, finding an honest attorney to support you should be a priority.

What are the key steps involved in the adoption process in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas?

Building families through adoption is possible, but it might take some proactive planning to handle the process successfully. The first step in the procedure is to obtain consent from the birth parent. If the parent refuses to forfeit their rights, court involvement may be needed if there are concerns about the child’s safety.

The home study and subsequent background checks should be the next things you shift your focus to after receiving consent from the birth parent. Be prepared for the social worker to assess the safety and condition of your home to identify if the child will thrive in that environment. They will also review the results of the background check to see if you have a criminal past.

After passing the home study and background checks, it is now time to submit the adoption petition. Following the filing of the petition, a judge will schedule the court hearing to determine if the child residing with you is in their best interests. If the judge believes you are fit to become the legal parent of the child, they will finalize the adoption.

Offering Attentive Adoption Services To Texas Families

If you and your spouse or partner are serious about adopting a child, hiring an adoption attorney can help you strengthen your case. Our Dallas-Fort Worth lawyers understand what it takes to impress the courts and adoption agencies and can help you prepare for everything to come. For further information and support, contact our family law firm at 214-432-2501 or through email.