Schedule a Meeting 
(833) 553-4251
(833) 553-4251 Schedule a Meeting 
(833) 553-4251
(833) 553-4251 
Schedule a Meeting (833) 553-4251
(833) 553-4251 (833) 553-4251 (833) 553-4251 Are you dreaming of growing your family through adoption, but you’re overwhelmed by the legal complexities of the process? As difficult as that would be on a personal level, it would be even worse for the child left without a loving home. You don’t want to take that risk, so instead of navigating the process yourself, consult with an attorney from our firm.
When you work with our Austin adoption lawyer, you will get more than someone just handling the legal aspects of the case. Your dedicated family attorney will walk you through each step of the process so there are not any surprises. Reach out today to learn more about how Kimbrough Legal, PLLC, could help you through this fulfilling yet challenging process.
While each case is unique, you certainly will have to go through a legal process when adopting in Texas.
The application delves into all aspects of the prospective parent’s life. It can seem intrusive, but it is meant to ensure that a child will be placed in a safe, stable, loving home. Making misstatements or failing to completely answer a question can delay approval or even lead to denial of the application. An Austin attorney could help an applicant answer any questions that might raise red flags.
All prospective adoptive parents must take classes or training in parental skills, such as responding to the specific needs of the child. The requirements can vary depending on the form of adoption. A foster child or a child with special needs could require different training than adopting an infant from a private agency.
All adoptions require a home study. During the home study, a social worker will visit the home, review the adoption application, look through the home, and interview everyone who lives there. Home studies can involve several visits, and if the social worker has any concerns, they might ask the parents to make changes to the home or to their habits or schedule.
The home study may be less onerous in the case of a relative or stepparent adoption. However, even in these cases, a social worker must visit the home and interview its occupants.
A prospective parent cannot complete a legal adoption immediately. The Texas Family Code § 162.009 requires a child to live with their prospective adopter for at least six months before an adoption is finalized. Once the statutory time has passed, an Austin attorney could file an adoption petition, the court would hold a hearing, and the court would issue a final order of adoption. Sometimes a court will waive the six-month requirement if the petitioner can prove that doing so serves the child’s best interests.
Adoptions sometimes occur within families. For example, if a child’s parent dies, goes to prison for an extended period, or is experiencing mental health or addiction issues, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or older siblings sometimes step in to care for the child. When there is little possibility of the child reunifying with their parent and the parent’s rights have been terminated or surrendered, the relative may formalize the arrangement and gain parental rights through adoption.
When a parent remarries, the new spouse may adopt the parent’s child. This is a stepparent adoption. The child’s other parents must be deceased, or their parental rights must be surrendered or extinguished before a stepparent adoption can occur.
When a same-sex couple has a child through assisted reproduction, the non-biological partner should adopt the child to ensure both partners have full parental rights. Adoption also bestows parental rights on the partner when someone enters a relationship with a biological or adopted child. These are called second-parent adoptions. An Austin attorney could help a couple navigate the legal issues that arise in assisted reproduction and second-parent adoption.
International adoptions are a bit more complex, but you can navigate the process with help from an attorney. Your Austin adoption lawyer can also help you with the process after you bring your child home. Through this process, your child will receive a United States birth certificate and establish citizenship.
This is just one of the considerations when adopting internationally, so consult with an attorney before moving forward. Then, you will have a clear understanding of each step you’ll have to take when adding to your family.
You must meet the edibility requirements to adopt a child in Texas. All prospective adopters must be at least 21 years old, financially stable, and mature enough to raise a child and respond to the unique challenges adoption can pose. The court will require that you submit lifestyle and background information.
If other adults live in your home, they will have to undergo background checks before you can adopt a child. Additionally, everyone hoping to adopt a child must complete an application, take parenting classes, and participate in a home study. Criminal background checks are run on all prospective adopters, and people living in the adopter’s household must pass child abuse checks. If you are unsure if you meet the requirements, consult with an Austin adoption attorney to find out if you can move forward with a petition to adopt a child.
Adoption is a loving and generous way to grow a family. Birth parents, adoptive parents, and the children themselves all can benefit from adoption.
However, the system is confusing and time-consuming. Working with a skilled and experienced attorney can relieve some of the stress and uncertainty.
When you decide to expand your family through adoption, contact an Austin adoption lawyer. They can help you form realistic expectations and guide you through the process. Get started today.
Kimbrough Legal, PLLC
N/a 
