Adoption

Arlington Adoption Attorneys

Providing Quality Legal Representation for Growing Families

Adopting a child is one of the most noble acts an individual can do for another person. However, the adoption process can be overly complex and time-consuming. If you are considering adoption, consult an experienced family law attorney who can explain the legal process and protect your rights.

Hartley Law Group has extensive experience with adoption law and knows what it takes to help clients realize their dreams of expanding their families. When you come to us for help, we will explain how the legal process of adoption works and provide the information you need to make wise decisions.

To learn more about adoption and how we can assist you with your legal needs, contact Hartley Law Group to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable attorney who can options and how we can help.

Who Can Adopt a Child in Texas?

Anyone considering adoption must meet several eligibility requirements imposed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. These requirements are designed to protect the safety and well-being of children.

Texas law allows potential adoptive parents to be either married or single and does not discriminate against anyone who meets the state’s eligibility requirements, which include:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Be a mature adult who is financially stable
  • Complete an adoption application
  • Comply with child abuse and criminal background checks
  • Complete a home study
  • Provide references

It should be noted that in adoption cases, everyone living in the household at least 18 and older must complete a child abuse and criminal background check. Additionally, before a child can be adopted, they must live with the new family for more than six months.

Hartley Law Group has helped families navigate the complex adoption process and will gladly assist you with your legal needs.

Why Should I Hire an Attorney if I Want to Adopt a Child?

While no specific Texas law requires prospective adoptive parents to hire an adoption attorney, it is in your best interests to do so. The adoption process can be overly complex and is best handled by an attorney who will ensure that your legal rights are protected and that all necessary steps are followed.

One of the most considerable advantages of hiring an attorney is they have in-depth experience with Texas adoption laws and will work to simplify the legal process to make it less stressful for all parties involved. An adoption attorney can also assist you with completing legal paperwork correctly, ensure you have the necessary documentation, and provide legal representation in court for the final step in the adoption process.

It is important to remember that each adoption case has unique aspects better handled by an attorney who can identify and solve potential legal issues before they cause further complications.

One of the best steps you can take to make the legal process go more smoothly is to hire an adoption attorney who can answer your questions and ensure that all proper procedures are followed. Allow our law office to assist you with your legal case so you can have the peace of mind you deserve.

What are the Different Ways to Adopt a Child?

Several options are available in Texas if you wish to adopt a child, including private adoption, adoption agency, relative adoption, or foster care adoption. In other instances, some potential adoptive parents also choose the option of international adoption to grow their families.

Prospective parents should consider the specific legal aspects of each type of adoption when deciding which alternative is right for their needs. For example, in a private adoption, often facilitated through an adoption agency, several aspects should be considered, such as whether they wish to have an open adoption, where there is contact between themselves and the birth parents, or a closed adoption, which keeps all information confidential.

Another option is relative adoption, which occurs when a family member wishes to adopt another family member’s child. Grandparents who adopt their grandchildren are a typical example of relative adoption. In other instances, foster parents often petition to adopt a child who has been in their home for more than six months. One of the last options involves international adoption, which involves adopting a child from another country.

If you need further clarification about the different types of adoption available or need help deciding which option is best for you, contact Hartley Law Group to schedule a meeting with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.

How Does the Adoption Process Work?

Several steps must be followed in the Texas adoption process before a child is legally considered part of a new family, which include:

  • Determining which type of adoption is right for your needs, such as foster care or private adoption.
  • Choosing an adoption professional, such as an attorney, will help you navigate the adoption process.
  • Completing an adoption home study, in which a caseworker visits your home to conduct an interview in which they will discuss your interests, childcare experiences, ability to care for a child’s needs, and assess the home’s safety.
  • Once you have passed the home study, the next step is placing a child with you, which may have already occurred in various circumstances.
  • The home study provider performs post-placement visits to ensure the court that you and the child are adjusting well to one another. Texas typically requires multiple post-placement visits to be completed before the final adoption.
  • Finalizing the adoption is the last step in the adoption process in front of a judge who reviews all legal aspects of the adoption to ensure all procedures have been followed correctly, including termination of the birth parent’s rights. If everything is found to be in order, the judge will legally confirm the adoption and issue an adoption decree.

What Makes Your Adoption Lawyers the Best Choice for My Family Law Matters?

Going through the adoption process can be emotionally challenging as you try to be patient and wait for the day when a child is placed in your care and also when a judge issues an adoption decree. Hartley Law Group has comprehensive experience helping individuals who wish to adopt a child.

When you come to us for help, we can handle many of the legal aspects of the case, including meeting with the birth mother to discuss the adoption or offer advice as the case progresses through the legal system.

Our competent and compassionate attorneys understand that each adoption has unique circumstances. They will provide the care and legal representation you need to face the future confidently. We are proud to serve the citizens of North Texas and the Texas Hill country and have helped families obtain their dream of adopting a child.

If you are considering adoption, contact Hartley Law Group at our Arlington, TX, law office by calling 805-639-0600 to schedule a meeting with an experienced family law attorney who will gladly answer your questions.