Child Adoption

Child Adoption

Child adoptions can be a joyous time for all parties involved. Full of positive futures and hopeful plans. The adoption process can be complex. If an adoption is not done correctly the adoption can be overturned.

When a child's natural parent or parents are unable to care for their child due to unfitness, abandonment, death or just simply want a better life for their child, the adoption system creates an opportunity for someone to step in and take on the responsibilities of a parent.

For a child to be adopted, the parental rights of one or both parents must be terminated. Parental rights can be terminated either voluntarily or involuntarily. A few grounds for involuntary termination include abuse, neglect, and failure to support. When seeking an involuntary termination, the standard of proof is high and must be clear and convincing. In a voluntary case, either parent or both can sign a document that voluntarily terminates their rights as parents to the child.

In Texas, a prospective adoptive parent can be single or married. The adoptive parent must be at least 21 years old, financially stable, complete an application to adopt, share background and lifestyle information, provide reference, provide proof of marriage and/or divorce if applicable, and complete a home study.

Once all the steps have been completed an adoption hearing takes place. A judge will ask you questions and then issue a final decree of adoption. After you have received the final decree of adoption you can then correct the birth certificate, obtain a new birth certificate and file for the child's social security number.

Let the team at Heather Hudson Law Firm, PLLC, help you navigate this process.