Guiding You Through the Adoption Process in Texas
Adoption is one of the few legal matters where everyone — from the child, to the parents, to the judge and the lawyers — can leave the courthouse happy. For this reason, it is one of my favorite responsibilities as a family law attorney in San Antonio, Texas.
I'm Jesse White. If you are a stepparent, grandparent or other parent who wishes to adopt a child in the San Antonio area, I offer a free initial consultation to explain the legal process and answer your questions.
Stepparent and Relative Adoptions
Stepparent and relative adoptions are different from other types of adoptions in that the child is already living with the adoptive parent in most cases. The biological father or mother is usually either out of the picture or unable to serve in the role of parent.
Stepparent, grandparent and other relative adoptions are usually a simple process if the biological parent is deceased or consents to the adoption. Texas courts will want your child to have both a father and a mother — and what better person could serve in that role than the one the child is living with?
The adoptive parent will need to undergo a pre-placement and post-placement home study conducted by a social worker. If the adoptive child is already living with you, then only one home study is needed. The adoptive parent is also subject to a criminal history background check.
What if the Biological Parent is Missing or Opposed to the Adoption?
If the biological parent does not agree to the adoption, then the process will take longer and will be more challenging. Before the new mother or father can adopt a child, the parental rights of the biological parent must be terminated.
If the biological parent is missing, the family court will make an effort to locate the missing parent.
A Lawyer-Client Relationship Based on Trust
To discuss a stepparent or other type of adoption with an experienced San Antonio family law attorney, call 866-207-6772 today or fill out the contact form on this Web site. Your initial consultation is free.
