What to Consider Before Starting the Adoption Process
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Children are a huge blessing to any household. The endless smiles, laughter, and watching a little one blossom into their own is an experience like no other. When that journey begins with adoption, it makes it extra special.
Texas has one of the highest adoption rates in the United States. According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, 4,586 children were adopted in 2021. Whether it is a family who is looking for a child due to infertility, foster parents deciding to adopt the children already in their care, or relatives adopting another relative due to extenuating circumstances, every adoption is unique. However, anyone who is considering adoption as a way to expand their family needs to consider a few points before starting the process. Adoption, while an admirable and wonderful decision, is a lifelong commitment. Here are some aspects to consider before starting the process.
The Emotions Surrounding Adoption Are Complex
Adoption is both a joy and a tragedy combined into one event. For a child to even be considered for adoption, they have to have first been removed from their biological parents. This process is extremely traumatizing, no matter what the circumstances are or how old the child is. Because of this, adoptive parents need to make it a point to give themselves and their child space to both grieve the loss of their old family while celebrating the creation of their new one.
Parents should strongly consider enrolling both themselves and their adoptive child in therapy or counseling to help them process these emotions. Due to the complexity of these emotions, some children and even some new parents will find it difficult to navigate them successfully. A therapist can do wonders and ensure that no further trauma is created and that the child has the best foundation possible for a fresh start.
There Are Different Types of Adoptions
Adoption is a broad term that can relate to many different types. Understanding the differences between the different types of adoptions will help you make the best decision for your family and future child. Here are the most common types of adoptions in Texas:
Domestic Infant Adoptions:
This type of adoption refers to when a pregnant woman voluntarily contacts a private domestic adoption agency to create an adoption plan for her unborn or newborn baby. She will then be able to select an adoptive family by looking at different profiles and interviews to see which one is right for the baby. In some cases, the biological mother may offer legal consent for the adoption to take 48 hours after the birth.
Foster Care Adoption
Children in foster care are removed from their homes due to safety concerns. The goal of foster care is to allow the child’s biological parents to address the concerns and get themselves healthy before reuniting the child with them. Sadly, this doesn’t always happen. When the biological parents agree to give up their parental rights or those parental rights are taken from them by the courts because of continued refusal to work with child protective services, then the child will be legally available for adoption through the foster care system.
State Adoptions
State adoptions are run through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children Agreement (ICPC). This agreement protects the rights of adopted children, regardless of what state they are born or placed in. The ICPC also establishes uniform processes across state lines to ensure that adoptions are as smooth as possible.
Stepparent Adoptions
Stepparent adoptions occur when a new spouse petitions the court to become a legal parent of the child/children by marriage. If both biological parents are still living and have full parental rights, then the rights of one parent must be terminated. This adds additional legal complexity to this type of adoption.
Relative Adoptions
When a grandchild or a nephew/niece is in a situation where their biological parent/parents are unable to provide for them, then a relative can choose to adopt them. Relatives have to go through the legal system to officially adopt the child and gain the full parental rights that are needed to ensure the child is getting the best care.
Adoption Is a Serious Legal Process
Deciding to adopt a child into your home can be an exciting one, but it should begin with a serious conversation with your spouse. Adoption is a serious legal process that has many steps that need to be followed carefully. From large amounts of paperwork to ensuring that you understand the requirements needed for a successful adoption, the entire process can be overwhelming for those who do not know what to expect. Here is a quick overview of the requirements to be able to adopt in Texas:
Requirements to Adopt in Texas:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must be financially stable
- Complete an application to adopt
- Be willing to share background and lifestyle information
- Provide references
- Provide proof of marriage or divorce (if applicable)
- Be willing to undergo a home study
- Submit criminal background and child abuse checks on all adults living in your household.
Adoptions Take Time
Adoptions are not as simple as choosing a child and going to the courthouse to sign papers. The process itself can be long and grueling, especially for families who are eager to add a new addition to their family. The adoption process can take months to complete. Remember to be patient, all of that time is worth it when you finally have your little family together.
Adoptions Are Not Cheap
Unfortunately, adopting a child can be extremely expensive. The cost will depend on what type of adoption and service the individual or couple looking to adopt decides to use. Here is the average breakdown of expenses for adoption:
- State adoptions typically cost a few hundred dollars to cover court fees and licensing costs.
- Private Adoptions on average, are between $60,000 and $65,000. These costs include the following:
- Agency fees
- Birth mother’s medical and counseling expenses
- Background checks
- Legal fees
Other additional costs could include:
- Application fees
- Home study
- Travel expenses
- Post-adoption services
- CPR/first aid training
- TB tests
- Home updates
While adoption is expensive, there are resources available to help families offset the costs of adoption, this includes but is not limited to the following:
- Tax credits
- Grants
- Subsidies
- Adoption assistance programs
You Need a Texas Adoption Attorney
Adopting a child is a huge responsibility and there is a lot of paperwork and legal processes that are involved. To successfully adopt a child, you will want to have a Lewisville, Texas adoption attorney on your side.
Alison Grant, Attorney at Law, has dedicated her life to aiding families through the adoption process. Her years of experience allow her to walk alongside you and your family as you go through the legal adoption process. Not only will she ensure that all of the necessary paperwork and requirements are fulfilled but she will help you understand what is happening every step of the way. Contact our team today for more information on our adoption law services or to schedule a consultation to go over the facts of your case.