Adoption Lawyer in Plano and Surrounding Areas

Adopting a child is an exciting and fulfilling moment for most families.  However, it is a major decision that sometimes involves a challenging and complex process.  For instance, the adoption may be due to the death of the child’s biological parent, divorce, or child abuse and neglect.  The adoption process can be emotionally hard for the child and the adopting family.

Additionally, the legal process can be lengthy and complex.  If you are looking to adopt a child but are worried about the complexity of the process, our skilled and experienced Plano adoption attorneys are here for you.  We have extensive experience handling different types of adoption in Plano and the surrounding areas, including grandchild, stepchild, and private adoptions.

Helping You Legally Adopt

Whether you want to adopt a relative, including a grandchild, stepchild, nephew, or niece, or from an unknown parent, The Fox Firm is committed to helping you obtain custody of the child by helping you navigate the often complex process of legally adopting a child. We will help you;

• fill out the necessary paperwork 
• conduct the termination of parental rights process
• complete a home study 
• seek the child’s consent where necessary, and 
• represent you in the court hearing

While adoption has its high moments, it also has low moments, including complications that can discourage potential adoptive parents from going through the process.  Accordingly, it is critical to seek the help of a skilled and experienced adoption lawyer.  Let our adoption attorney provide the necessary legal assistance and be your trusted ally as you transition to adoptive parenthood.

Complex Legal Issues

While every adoption is unique, there are an array of legal issues that can complicate the adoption process, including:

• biological parent or surrogate having second thoughts
• biological parent or surrogate petitioning for rights
• lack of protection for adoptees in the grandchild, stepchild, or any other relative adoption where the biological parent cannot meet their obligations but is opposed to the adoption
• lack of legal guidelines for open/closed adoptions

While these are serious legal issues, don’t let them discourage you from achieving your adoption dream and potentially giving a vulnerable child a better life.  The Plano adoption attorney at the Fox Firm will guide you through the complications using legal strategies that have worked for many of our clients with similar issues. 

The Texas Adoption Process

There are two major types of adoption in Texas including public and private adoptions.  Public or state adoption involves adopting a child through the Department of Family and Protection Services (DFPS), while private adoption involves adopting through private agencies.  While procedural and cost differences exist between the two types of adoptions, they share some basic steps.  The basic steps include:

• Information meeting – This step involves getting information about all Texas adoption requirements, including age requirements and criminal background checks.  You can also ask any preliminary questions about the process.

• Preparation meeting – This step involves meeting DFPS staff who further asses your readiness, qualifications, and ability to adopt a child.

• Training – This step involves the state training prospective adoptive parents on basic childcare through a 35-hour Parent Resource Information Development Education (PRIDE) program.  Besides the program, the state also requires the adoptive parents to undergo additional training and certifications on meeting the child’s specific needs.

• Home study –  This step involves DFPS staff visiting your home and getting additional information on your readiness and ability to provide a safe and healthy environment for your adoptive child.  The home visit involves reviewing your lifestyle, child-raising experience, and personal history.

These basic steps apply across the different types of adoption and typically complete the adoption process.  The law facilitates a smooth transition into a new family life for both the adoptive parent and child through these basic steps and others unique to the adoption type.

Contact a Plano Adoption Attorney 

Adopting a child is a big life decision that is often emotional and legally complicated.  Accordingly, you need to develop an adoption plan or strategy to achieve your adoption goals.  At The Fox Firm, a well-qualified and experienced adoption attorney will assist with all your adoption needs, including helping you create an adoption strategy that fits your family’s needs.  We understand that the legal process can be intimidating for many people and are ready to walk with you step by step.  Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the legal requirements of adoption and how the Fox Firm can help.