ADOPTION

Dallas Attorneys Ready to Help with Your Adoption

Adopting a child can and should be a joyful time, but the legal details and processes can be stressful to say the least. At Godwin Bowman PC, we provide legal services involved in the adoption process. While we do not take part in arranging adoptions or locating children for adoption, we can help ensure that the legal steps required in the adoption process are as smooth and seamless as possible.

Adoption Attorney for Private Adoption

Among the most common types of private adoption are:

• Step-Parent Adoption: One spouse legally adopting the biological child of the other spouse.
• Adoptive Parent Adoption: Both biological parents voluntarily relinquishing their parental rights, allowing for adoption of the child by one or more qualified adoptive parents
• Involuntary Termination: Adoptive parents bringing suit against one or more of the biological parents to involuntarily terminate parental rights. The Texas Family Code contains specific grounds under which involuntary termination can be granted.
• Grandparent or Relative adoptions: A family member adopting the child either on a voluntary or involuntary termination basis.

The Adoption Process in Texas

Texas law requires a number of significant processes prior to the finalization of an adoption. These may include termination of parental rights, petitions, as well as final approvals relating to the name change of the child. Families who wish to adopt a child are also required to provide background and lifestyle information. These procedures may include such items as criminal background checks, abuse or neglect background checks, home visits which include all members of the family, references from both relatives and non-relatives, financial documentation showing that the family has the financial stability to support the child and more.

Our Godwin Bowman PC attorneys will be there to support you throughout the process, providing counsel regarding the completion of applications, advising you on home studies and helping obtain all the documentation to finalize the process. If required, we will handle the matters related to the termination of parental rights in order to finalize the adoption. We can also act as your advocate with the birth parent(s), including the negotiation of agreements to cover medical or other expenses incurred by the birth or care of the child before the adoption.

It is also worth noting that, under Texas law, you are not required to be married in order to adopt a child. Whether married or single, the Dallas family law attorneys of Godwin Bowman PC stand ready to provide assistance in your adoption.

Choose Godwin Bowman PC for the Legal Needs of Your Adoption

Why choose Godwin Bowman PC to help with your adoption? Our attorneys are experienced, committed and ready to support you throughout the adoption process. We believe in families, and we are ready to provide the thorough, effective, comprehensive representation you are seeking.