Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Adoption
Adoption is a very rewarding experience for the entire family. When a family opens their home and hearts to children, it enriches the lives of family members as well as the children who are adopted. Texas law outlines a number of options for families who want to adopt. Regardless of the type of adoption chosen, the adoption process can be a challenging and costly one. Still, the length of the process should not deter anyone from the enriching experience of adoption. A Houston adoption attorney can help you navigate the process so your case proceeds as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Private Adoptions
Private adoptions take place between an adoptive family and a birth family or parent. These relationships are typically created through an adoption attorney or an agency that is authorized to oversee the adoption process. Private adoptions are classified as either open or closed. During an open adoption, the adoptive parents and the birth parents meet and the attorneys involved or the adoption agency work out the details of the adoption. Open adoptions often involve the birth parent continuing to be involved in the child’s life, but that is not always the case. On the other hand, during a closed adoption, the adoptive parents and the birth parents choose not to meet each other. The information of all parties, including their identities, is kept confidential and the arrangements are handled exclusively by the agency.
Child Protective Services (CPS) Adoptions
Child Protective Services can also oversee an adoption. These adoptions usually involve children who were removed from their former homes because their parents had their parental rights terminated. These situations typically involve neglect, abuse, or abandonment. Once CPS has successfully asked the court to terminate the parent’s rights, the child is then placed with a foster family on a temporary basis. In some cases, a child may be placed with a permanent family. Parents who wish to pursue a CPS adoption must meet several requirements. These are as follows: Be at least 21 years old Be in good physical and mental health Pass a criminal background check Have the means to financially support the child Be married for at least two years, if married, although marriage itself is not a requirement
International Adoptions
As the name suggests, international adoptions involve adopting a child or children from a foreign country. Understandably, international adoptions are some of the most complicated. Adopting a child internationally typically starts with contacting an adoption agency in the child’s home country. Global agencies have their own approval processes and it is not uncommon for them to require adoptive parents to visit the country several times before they are approved as potential parents. Before a foreign child is allowed into the United States, they will also require a visa. Applying for a visa alone can be a very stressful and frustrating experience for parents wishing to internationally adopt a child. Additionally, international adoptions must be in compliance with the Hague Convention for International Adoptions.
Stepparent Adoptions
By their very nature, stepparent adoptions are vastly different from other types of adoptions, but they are also very common and it is important that any stepparent knows what is required of them. Due to the fact that there is already an established relationship between the child and stepparent in most cases, stepparent adoptions are sometimes some of the easiest to navigate. Being a stepparent does provide grounds for adoption, but that does not mean that all stepparents can automatically obtain one. There are many issues that can arise in stepparent adoptions, including when a biological parent refuses to terminate their parental rights. No stepparent can proceed until a biological parent willingly terminates their rights or a court determines that their rights should be terminated. It is not uncommon for biological parents to be reluctant to forfeit these rights as it is irrevocable. For these reasons, adopting a stepchild always has the potential to become much more contentious than other types of adoptions. To ensure the process is as smooth and easy as possible, it is important to work with a Houston adoption attorney who can advise you of your rights and legal options.
Our Adoption Attorneys in Houston Can Help with Your Family Law Case
Contacting a Houston adoption attorney should always be your first step when you want to add to your family. At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, our seasoned attorneys can help you resolve your case as quickly and easily as possible. Call us now at 713-225-6200 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more.
Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by Mary E. Ramos
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