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Overview of Texas adoption rules

On Behalf of | Nov 29, 2016 | Family Law

Adoption laws vary from state to state. There has been an effort to move states to the Uniform Adoption Act however results have been spotty at best. It is best if you seek the advice of an attorney before attempting to adopt a child, to ensure that you comply and meet all rules. This post will go over the requirements to adopt a child in Texas.

Texas allows anyone adopt a child. However, the child must consent to the adoption if he or she is 12 years or older. Texas never formally passed legislation recognizing same-sex marriage, however, the recent Supreme Court cases validating same-sex marriage likely overrule any state inaction. Same-sex couples may encounter institutional resistance, despite the recent developments in the law. If a married person is trying to adopt a child, both spouses must consent to the adoption.

Texas requires that residents live in the state for at least six months before adopting a child. But this requirement can be waived, if necessary. Adoptions are handled by the Human Services/District. If an adoption is denied, you have six months to file an appeal, or you waive your rights and must start over.

If you are trying to adopt children, then you may want to sit down with an attorney. A lawyer can go over the various family law issues that you may confront, including threshold legal requirements to adopt a child. Adoption is a complicated process; you don’t need to try and figure it out on your own.

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