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Who Is Eligible to Adopt?

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 in these circumstances can be straightforward, depending on the status or attitude of the absent biological parent.

Houston Galleria area adoption attorney Terry Hart accepts adoption cases in which a stepparent or relative wishes to adopt a child in Texas.

Adoption Has Many Advantages

The legal process of adoption has many advantages for both parent and child. Adoption gives the parent all 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.

Termination of Parental Rights

In order to adopt a child as a stepparent or guardian, it may be necessary to terminate the parental rights of an absent biological parent. A lawyer can assist in accomplishing the necessary termination.

Termination of a biological parent’s rights may not be difficult if the parent signs a voluntary relinquishment of parental rights or 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 provides a basis for terminating the parental rights of a biological parent.

Contact Terry Hart Today to Learn More

Contact Terry Hart online to discuss your case. You can also reach him by calling 713-581-1773 or toll free at 877-576-7390.