Adoption Attorney in Arlington & DFW

David Kohm Offers Adoption Litigation for Family Law

There are numerous laws related to adoption procedures here in Texas, and more and more adoption cases are heard before the family courts more so than other family law matters. When clients meet with our family law attorneys, they are always surprised to learn that there are a variety of different types of adoption being heard in the Texas family courts. Adoptions can be easy or complex depending on the unique aspects of each situation. David Kohm’s adoption attorneys in Arlington help families through the entire adoption process, domestic and foreign. Our family law experts are here for you.

Establishing Qualification for Adoption

The most important piece of information for an adoption to proceed is to make sure that the child is qualified for adoption. In Texas, a child is only eligible for adoption once one of the parents has ended his or her legal rights to the child leaving the child with only one lawful guardian. The child additionally needs to be at least 2 years of age. The only exception to this age rule would be circumstances in which both father and mother have signed their legal rights away for the adoption of the child. In Texas, the most common types of adoption are those by a stepparent or by a couple that are not related to the child.

Steps In The Adoption Process

If someone other than a family member, such as a grandparent or stepparent, petitions the court to adopt a child, the judge will normally require that there be a home inspection conducted to ensure that the home is suitable for the child. Along with a home inspection, the court will gather all important medical information, schooling records, and additionally any reported abuses perpetrated against the child so that the adoptive parents know the issues they will be dealing with. Rest assured, any and all documentation is edited to protect the identity of the birth parents and their family.

Another critical element of the adoption process is the requirement of formal background checks on all parties, related or not, that will be adopting the child. The purpose of the background checks is to uncover any past criminal activity.

There are also several other conditions that can be part of the adoption process, though some can be waived in the best interest of the child.

• A child should live with the potential adoptive parents for at least 6 months prior to the adoption taking place.
• The adoptive couple must also receive written permission from the managing conservator in the case.
• During stepparent adoption, the biological parent must also be a part of the adoption request in order for it to be honored.
• A child that is at least 12 years of age must also agree in writing to the adoption process in Texas.

Choosing the Right Adoption Attorney

With all the complexities involved in the adoption procedures here in Texas, adoptive parents find that it’s beneficial to  have a competent adoption attorney at their side while going through the process. This reduces the risk of having legal issues tie up the adoption process. Research law firms who are experinced in adoption in your area and read reviews to determine the best suited lawyer for your case.

The experienced adoption attorneys at the Law Offices of David Kohm will be able to provide you with sound legal advice regarding family law and adoption services.  If you have further questions or would like to have a free consultation, please contact our adoption attorneys today.