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San Antonio Adoption Lawyer

Helping Clients Navigate the Adoption Process

Deciding to add to your family through adoption is an exhilarating prospect. There are many steps to the adoption process, and working with an adoption attorney is a step that many families forget. An adoption lawyer is a legal professional who will help you navigate the complex adoption process from beginning to end.

If you are considering adoption or you’re already involved in the adoption process, don’t hesitate to reach out to our law firm today. We can help you pick an agency, file paperwork, decide on an adoption type, and more. Adoption may seem like an overwhelming process, but it doesn’t have to be. For more information, contact The Hicks Law Firm by calling 210-985-8330.

What Are the Different Types of Adoption Available?

There are a few different types of adoptions you can choose in Texas. Our law firm will work with you to help you decide what’s right for you and your family.

The different types of adoption include:

Local Adoption

Also called domestic adoption, local adoption is based within your country. It happens when a child’s biological parent puts them up for adoption of their own volition. In most cases, you will work with an adoption agency in your city or state to go through a local adoption.

Foreign Adoption

A foreign adoption means adopting a child from another country. An international adoption is a much longer process with more extensive paperwork. You will likely work with an international adoption agency after visiting the country and the child multiple times.

Step-Parent Adoption

A stepfather or stepmother who wants to adopt a child can seek a step-parent adoption. This kind of adoption allows step-parents to obtain parental rights over their stepchildren. In most cases, you won’t need to work with an adoption agency. Our law office can help you through the process to ensure it’s as smooth as possible.

Private Adoption

A private adoption case involves the child’s biological parents and the adoptive parents without an adoption agency involved. Working with a legal representative during a private adoption is essential, as it’s crucial to make sure the adoption is legal and valid.

Adoption Via Foster Care

If you are a foster parent who wants to adopt your foster child, the adoption process is much more straightforward. However, adoption is only possible if the child’s biological parents have been deemed unfit or unable to care for their children.

What Does an Adoption Lawyer Do?

Working with an adoption attorney helps you speed up the adoption process and ensure it goes smoothly.

There are many things an adoption attorney can do for you, including:

Help You Find an Agency

Choosing an adoption agency is one of the earliest steps you must take. Picking the right agency can mean the difference between adopting a child quickly or having significant setbacks. Our law firm will give you recommendations based on your goals to help you pick an agency that meets your needs.

File Paperwork

As you might expect, adoption involves a ton of legal paperwork. Filing paperwork incorrectly or missing a deadline could mean a significant delay in the process. Our adoption attorney will stay on top of your paperwork and help you file all the forms you need to continue along.

Ensure You are Qualified

There are many qualifications you must meet depending on the type of adoption you want to pursue. We will walk you through those qualifications and help you gather the necessary evidence to submit that shows you are qualified.

Provide Legal Guidance

No matter what kind of adoption you are pursuing, you may have some tough decisions ahead of you. Choosing between an open adoption or closed adoption and picking a private or public adoption can have consequences down the line. We will advise you of your rights and help you make these difficult decisions.

What is the Adoption Process in San Antonio?

Adoption is a legal process that requires many steps. While your adoption process may vary depending on your circumstances, there are some basic steps that all prospective parents must go through.

In Texas, the general adoption process is as follows:

  • Proving that you are qualified for adoption. For instance, you and your spouse must be married if you are adopting together, or you must be older than 25 if you are adopting on your own.
  • Deciding if you want to pursue a private adoption or work with an adoption agency.
  • Hiring an adoption lawyer to protect you throughout the entire process.
  • Completing a home study and submitting your application to your adoption agency.
  • Filing extensive paperwork and going to court, if necessary.
  • Preparing your home for the new addition to your family.
  • Welcoming your new child home and leaning on friends and family for support.

Can an Adoption Attorney Assist You With Your Case?

Expanding your family through adoption is a beautiful process that will lead to lasting happiness. Adoption law is complex, and navigating the legalities of the adoption process can be difficult without a legal representative on your side. Individuals who want to pursue adoption should always seek legal counsel to ensure they are complying with the law.

The Hicks Law Firm is here to support you throughout your adoption journey. Whether you are a potential adoptive parent with questions about the process or you’ve already picked out your agency and you’re ready to start the paperwork, we can assist you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help with an adoption case. Contact us today by calling 210-985-8330 or send me an email for a free 20-minute initial consultation.