Relative, Agency, & Independent Adoption Law Firm

The experienced attorneys at Hardy Law Group, PLLC, are excited to help you expand your family through adoption. Our team understands that the process can be complex and emotional. We know what’s at stake and want to provide the care and legal expertise to make the process as quick and easy as possible.

Adopting A Child In Texas

Before an adoption becomes final, adopting parents must undergo a number of procedures required under Texas law. To ensure that a child enters a loving and nurturing home environment, certain information must be collected, including:

• background checks (criminal, abuse/neglect)
• documentation regarding the family’s finances
• references from relatives and non-relatives
• environment evaluations through home visits

Other processes involve termination of parental rights, petitions, and name changes. We help clients navigate through the process with both private and stepparent adoptions.

Types Of Adoption Requiring Legal Services

Step-Parent & Relative Adoption

Stepparent adoption is a very common form of adoption. The Texas Family Code outlines simple prerequisites for stepparents to adopt their stepchildren. Generally, a stepparent has already lived with the child and the child’s parent prior to seeking the adoption. Another common form of adoption involves a relative or grandparent. In both cases, there are guidelines to be met, and it takes an experienced family law attorney to prove to the court that the adoption is best for the child.

Private (Independent) Adoption

Private adoption (also known as an Independent Adoption) occurs when the birth family and adoptive parents seek each other out independently from an agency. Adopting a child privately in the state of Texas has its own set of limitations and legal guidelines you should be aware of. It takes legal navigation to make the adoption legitimate, which parents not going through an agency may not be equipped to handle on their own.

Agency Adoption

Adoption agencies have many legalities and procedures already in place, enforced by their own team of legal representation. However, their lawyers may have the agency’s best interests in mind instead of yours, so it’s best to secure the legal counsel of an experienced family law attorney to help you through the adoption process. Your adoption attorney will be at hand to answer any legal questions about the process that may arise.

Interstate & International Adoption

Adoptions can occur at the local, interstate, or international level. Each state and country will have its own set of diverse laws and guidelines regarding adoption. Even if you’re going through an adoption agency, the process can be different, and the legal challenges involved can become very complex.

If you’re looking to adopt a child from another state or country, an adoption lawyer is essential.

Texas Family Code – Chapter 162: Adoption (Highlights)

Who may be adopted

Any person

Age requiring child’s consent

12 years and older

Who may adopt

Any adult. If petitioner is married, spouse must join. (unless one is parent of child)

Home residency required prior to finalization of adoption

6 months (may be waived)

State agency/court

Human Services/District

Statute of Limitations to Challenge

6 months

Texas Adoption Law Chapter 162

Seek Assistance From A Fort Worth Adoption Attorney

For more information about the adoption process in Texas, visit the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange at Greater DFW Metroplex, or schedule a consultation with a family law attorney at Hardy Law Group, PLLC.

We welcome the chance to speak to you about the adoption process. Our Fort Worth adoption attorneys are experienced in providing legal counsel for each type of adoption case. Schedule an appointment today by calling (817) 222-0000, or fill out our contact form.