Adoption Timeline: How Long Does It Take in Texas?

Adoption can be a long process, and it’s important to understand the timeline before you begin. The amount of time it takes to complete an adoption depends on a variety of factors, including the type of adoption you are considering and the laws of your state. Here we take a look at the timeline for an adoption in Texas.

Step One: Preparing for Adoption

The first step in any adoption is preparing for it. This includes researching different types of adoptions, understanding the costs involved, and learning about the laws in your state. In Texas, prospective adoptive parents must have completed an approved pre-adoptive education course prior to finalizing an adoption. They must also complete a criminal history background check and home study process prior to being approved as adoptive parents. These steps can take anywhere from one to six months depending on how quickly you are able to complete them.

Step Two: Finding a Birth Parent or Placing Agency

Once you have completed all of your preparation requirements, you will need to find either a birth parent who is interested in placing their child with you or a child placement agency that will help facilitate the adoption process. If you decide to work with an agency, they will match you with a birth parent who is looking for adoptive parents who meet your criteria (for example, those living in Texas). This process can take anywhere from one month to several years depending on how quickly a suitable match can be found. If you are adopting a stepchild or grandchild, this process it obviously goes much more quickly.

Step Three: Finalizing the Adoption

Once you have found a birth parent or placement agency that meets your needs and wants to move forward with the adoption process, there are still a few steps left before everything is finalized. You will need to go through court proceedings where a judge grants legal permission for the adoption; then file paperwork confirming your parental rights; and finally get certified copies of all legal documents associated with the adoption process from the court clerk’s office. The entire process from start to finish typically takes three months or more depending on how quickly everything moves along.

Plano Adoption Attorney

The timeline for an adoption in Texas can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances. It typically takes between three months and several years from start to finish but could take longer if there are any delays or complications along the way. It’s important that prospective adoptive parents understand what’s involved, and know the truths and myths of adoption, before they embark on this journey so that they know what challenges might arise during this time and can be prepared accordingly! To help with the process, contact an attorney at The Fox Firm today for a consultation.