Adoptions

Houston Spanish-Speaking Adoption Lawyer

Many adoptions in Texas are family affairs, involving a stepparent, grandparent or other relative adopting a child with whom he or she already has a close attachment and relationship. The adoption process can be more or less straight forward, depending on the status or attitude of the absent biological parent.

Attorney Terry Hart in the Galleria area of Houston accepts adoption cases in which a stepparent or relative wishes to adopt a child in Texas. In many of these cases, the biological parent is deceased, missing or simply not able to care for the child. Often, the child has lived with the relative for several years prior to adoption.

The legal process of adoption has many advantages for both parent and child. Adoption gives the parent all of the legal rights that a biological parent has, including the right to make health care decisions. Adoption gives a child the security of knowing that the parent-child relationship is permanent. It also gives the child the right to inherit under intestate succession laws in Texas if the adoptive parent does not have a will.

In order to adopt a child, it may be necessary to terminate the parental rights of an absent biological parent. A child cannot have two fathers or two mothers. A lawyer can assist in accomplishing the necessary termination.

Termination of a biological parent's rights may not be difficult if the parent has been missing for a long time and cannot be found. Provided that all legal requirements are met, Texas courts will terminate a biological parent's rights in favor of an adoptive parent who is present and caring for the child if the adoption is found to be in the best interest of the child. However, termination of a biological parent's rights can be difficult if the parent is present and uncooperative. In these cases, the biological parent’s parental rights can be terminated only if a statutory ground for termination can be demonstrated. Abandonment of the child, endangerment of the child, or a failure to support the child frequently provide a basis for terminating the parental rights of a biological parent.

Free consultation with a Houston Spanish-speaking adoption attorney: Contact Terry Hart to discuss your case. Se habla español.