Adoption
Texas Family Law and Adoption Attorneys
Streamline Your Adoption with Compassionate Family Law Attorneys
Growing your family, whether it’s adopting an infant, older child, step-child, or adult, is one of the most exciting events a couple can go through. Unfortunately, adoption can also be difficult and time-consuming. Adoption requires completing lots of legal paperwork and meeting detailed requirements.
We are here to help. Alexandra Geczi PLLC has helped many people throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the State of Texas successfully adopt. We help ensure the entire process goes smoothly so you can avoid some of the common obstacles that adoptive parents often run into. We love helping our clients through this joyful occasion, so please contact us to talk about your options.
Whether you are just starting to think about adoption and have some questions, or you are ready to move forward right away, we are here for you.
You Focus On Building Your Family. We’ll Handle The Legal Legwork.
Deciding to adopt someone into your family is an exciting occasion. Whether you’re welcoming a minor into your home or making a blended family official, adoption calls for celebration! However, the legal process can be complicated and frustrating.
At Alexandra Geczi PLLC, our team of family law experts strives to make your adoption as stress-free as possible. We specialize in intrastate adoptions in Texas. These include adopting a minor, whether as a stepparent or new guardian, and adopting an adult, which can help you provide for loved ones over the age of 18.
Minor Adoption
The state of Texas allows adults to adopt people under the age of 18 and gain full parental rights. The adoptee’s biological parents end, and the child officially joins your family. Adoption is an exciting and emotional experience that takes a lot of complex decision-making and court documents. Whatever your family needs, Alexandra Geczi is here to make your adoption a success.
Adult Adoption
Texas law allows adults to adopt other adults. This process helps blended families officially welcome stepchildren who are over age 18, people who need to care for an adult dependent, older siblings who have taken on a parental role, and many more situations. Adult adoption is one of Alexandra Geczi PLLC’s unique practice areas — one of several ways we empower families to grow stronger together.
Stepparent Adoption
One of the most common types of adoptions is when someone wishes to officially become the parent of their spouse’s child. Stepparents have all legal rights as the biological parent to whom they are married. Blending a family can be stressful, but Alexandra Geczi PLLC is here to help you take on the stepparent role with confidence.
How Adoption Works
Types of Adoption
Each type of adoption has a distinct set of legal requirements, and these also vary by state. Our Dallas, TX family law firm focuses on intrastate adoption, which includes the traditional adoption of a minor, stepparent adoption, and adult adoption. you must meet the requirements of only one state (i.e., Texas) while in an interstate or international adoption you must meet the requirements of at least two states, as well as the requirements of the Interstate Compact Act, Hague Convention, or other international laws. You must also be aware of the Indian Child Welfare Act.
Intrastate Adoption
An intrastate adoption is when the biological parent and child reside in the same state as you do. The child does not have to cross state lines to be adopted.
Minor Adoption
Most adoptions involve an adult adopting a minor, whether an infant who has been placed for adoption or someone they’ve been fostering and would like to officially welcome to the family.
Stepparent Adoption
Stepparent adoption in Texas is when the spouse of the child’s biological parent petitions the court to adopt the minor stepchild. This process is similar to regular adoption, with some modifications. Also, it requires the termination of the other biological parent’s parental rights, either by consent, legal termination, or death.
International Adoption
An international adoption is when the birth mother and baby (or child) live in a different county than you do. The child is taken across international borders to be adopted. This type of adoption is often more complex and time consuming. While Alexandra Geczi PPLC does not handle this type of adoption, we’d be happy to make a referral.
Interstate Adoption
An interstate adoption is when the birth mother and baby (or child) live in a different state than you do. The child is taken across state lines to be adopted. While Alexandra Geczi PPLC does not handle this type of adoption, we’d be happy to make a referral.
The Texas Adoption Process
Under Texas law, adults may petition to acquire parental rights over another person. You generally have legal standing to adopt if you:
- have been fostering a child for at least 12 months up to less than 90 days before filing
- have adopted or fostered the potential adoptee’s sibling
- have been caring for a child for at least 6 months up to less than 90 days before filing
- are not the child’s biological parent
- haven’t had your parental rights terminated by court order
If you’re a prospective stepparent or an adult seeking to parent your younger siblings, you might file a Suit Affecting the Parent–Child Relationship (SAPCR). Per Texas Family Code 102.005, you may file a suit either for adoption alone or you may petition alongside a SAPCR. For example, if your ex-husband is the biological father of your kid, he would have to terminate his parental rights for your current husband to become an official stepdad.
You generally have standing to file for termination and adoption if you:
- are married to the child’s biological parent
- are related to the child within three degrees of consanguinity (e.g. you are their sibling, cousin, aunt, uncle, or grandparent)
- have had a child placed with you for adoption for at least 30 days
- have had possession of a child for at least 2 months out of the past 3 months
- have had substantial past contact in a caretaker role (as deemed by the court)
Keep in mind: A SAPCR is filed in all divorce proceedings. The resulting agreement could affect a new spouse’s parental role over your biological children. Custody and adoption issues can get messy, but Alexandra Geczi PPLC is here to help. Reach out now for a consultation.
What's Required to Adopt in Texas?
A Petition
The contents of a petition for adoption vary widely depending on the unique situation. However, courts want to see everything construed “in the interest of a child,” as described in Texas Family Code 102.1008.
Interviews and Background Checks
Most adoptive parents are subject to a criminal history check. You may also be interviewed on your parenting techniques, family and financial plans, and the quality of your relationship with the child in question.
A Home Study (for minor adoptions)
Most family courts make decisions according to the “best interest of the child” standard. This means ensuring they have a safe, fulfilling home with dedicated guardians. Prospective adoptees may be observed in your home environment.
If the potential adoptee is under age 18, you generally have to undergo a home study before taking custody of them. Home studies are not required when adopting an adult. Some evaluations may be waived if a prospective stepparent wishes to adopt their spouse’s child in an uncontested case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between intrastate and interstate adoption?
For an intrastate adoption, you must meet the requirements of only one state (e.g., Texas) while in an interstate or international adoption, you must meet the requirements of at least two states, as well as the requirements of the Interstate Compact Act. You must also be aware of the Indian Child Welfare Act.
How does international adoption work?
International adoption can vary widely, depending on your home state, the adoptee’s country, and many other factors. You’ll also need to be aware of regulations made by the Hague Convention and other international laws.