Understanding the Adoption Process in Texas
Whether you are looking to welcome a new person into your life, the process for adoption can be confusing. Laws vary from state to state and seem to change constantly. The Clark Law Firm has you covered. We’ve written out the need-to-know information regarding new child adoption in Texas.
Choosing a Type of Adoption
There are a number of things to consider when adopting, including choosing the type of adoption best suited for you. Do you want to communicate with the child’s birth parents? Do you want to adopt an older or younger child? These factors will help you narrow down which option works best for your situation:
- Open adoption
- Closed adoption
- Domestic adoption
- International adoption
- Infant adoption
Selecting an Adoption Agency
Certain agencies only facilitate the adoption of children in the foster care system, while others specifically orchestrate infant adoption. Your type of adoption should be a key factor when researching the appropriate agency for you.
Other factors you should consider when researching agencies include:
- Support and education from the agency
- Wait times
- Overall cost
- Financial reimbursement or benefits
You may also consider hiring an adoption attorney to assist you during the adoption process. Not only can they make legal recommendations, but they can help you navigate financial benefits from certain adoption agencies.
Completing the Application and Home Study
Once you have selected the appropriate adoption agency, you will need to complete a number of forms and interviews. Your agency professional and adoption attorney can walk you through the details of this process.
Whether you opt to work with a private agency or with the state, any person looking to adopt in Texas is required to complete a home study. This allows the adoption professional to evaluate your home life, learn about your plans/intentions for parenthood, and learn other details regarding your adoption.
Receiving a Match and Finalizing the Adoption
Adoption applications can take up to 6 months to complete. Once approved, your adoption agency will talk to you about your options, match you with a child, and finalize the process for you. Depending on the agency, finalization can occur before or slightly after you have custody of the child.
Work With Our Fort Worth Adoption Attorneys
The adoption process is lengthy and confusing. Our Fort Worth adoption lawyers can guide you through all the details of your adoption and help you during each step. We have helped a number of people grow their families and we proudly advocate for anyone pursuing adoption.
If you have a question regarding adoption in Texas or you are looking for legal support during the process, contact The Clark Law Firmtoday at (817) 435-4970.