The Lone Star State is one of the few places within the United States where the state government makes no determination over who may adopt a child. In fact, Texas law expressly declares that any person of an adult age may adopt. This may lead one to assume that single parent and LGBT households have the same chance to adopt as a so-called traditional family.
Regardless of this law, however, in 2011 only about one-third of all adopted children were situated in homes classified as either single parent or LGBT. Despite this low number, and the obvious preference for adopted children to be placed with traditional families, especially in some rural locations, in Houston there is still a very reasonable chance of single parent or LGBT adoptions.
Gay couples who wish to expand their families are faced with a wide range of choices. Each one of these choices has the same thing in common with the others – it requires a knowledgeable attorney to serve in the capacity of an advocate, which is something that will help smooth any wrinkles that appear during the process. Take a few minutes today to contact Welsh Law, PLLC, to arrange for a free consultation. We can help make your dreams of growing your family a reality.
Private Adoptions in Houston, Texas
There are many gay and lesbian couples in Atasocita who turn to methods such as surrogacy and artificial insemination in order to have a child. The approach is fairly simple, but the process is often complex. The male responsible for donating the sperm or the woman who agrees to donate an embryo is required to sign an affidavit acknowledging that he or she terminates his or her parental rights of their own free will.
Sometimes after the adopted child is born, its biological parents have a change of heart and try to revoke the affidavits they signed. This could happen immediately after the birth, or even years later. Even without a long battle through the legal system, these situations are emotionally traumatic on everyone involved.
Section 161.103 of the Texas Family Code explains how the process is set out. If the requirements are followed accurately, it makes for an ironclad affidavit, which must be signed between birth and the first two days of the child’s life in front of two reliable witnesses, as well as notarized by an adequate representative. The affidavit must contain suitable cautions about the child’s personal information, revocability, both natural parentage and future guardianship, and other applicable information.
Another similar form is the surrogacy contract. It requires the use of specific terms that leave no doubt about the parties, and that clearly states the purpose of the arrangement. In fact, all language should reflect what is outlined in 161.103.
Adoption through an Agency
Because private adoptions require carefully detailed paperwork, a lawyer assisting with an adoption in a Kingswood agency acts in more of an advocate role.
Some agencies might hesitate to interact with LGBT families. An attorney can softly restore their confidence about the legality of this process and, if necessary, be more firm as necessary. The proceedings frequently include an investigation by a social worker, and legal counsel, such as an attorney, who can ensure a fair, fully conducted investigation. An adoption lawyer in Humble, most essentially, can represent the family in a court of law. This relieves stress for the family involved in the adoption, as well as other parties as well. This allows everyone to concentrate on what matters the most.
Adoption by Step-Parents
Sometimes a LGBT couple has children from earlier relationships, especially if those relationships were heterosexual in nature. Now legally married LGBT couples can move forward with step-parent adoptions. The best interest of the children is the highest priority and guiding principal in family law within the state of Texas. If LGBT couples who are legally married can offer stable, loving environments in which to raise children, then recent court decisions may indicate that a LBGT step-parent adoption may be what is best regarding the interests of the children involved.
Welcoming children into a family should be an occasion filled with joy and happiness. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation with Houston family attorneys with the experience to help. Our office is conveniently located close to the George Bush Airport.