Starting an adoption search for the newest member of your family can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking time. In your preparations, it is imperative that you consider the legal avenues to adding a child to your family in Texas. This overview should help provide some important legal tips and help you welcome your new bundle of joy.
Types of adoption
Prior to getting started in your adoption search, it would be helpful to know there are several types of adoptions that are available to you. Keep in mind that some adoption types may work best for you and your family.
Confidential or closed adoptions are very common. They are often used when the birth parents and adoptive parents do not know one another. When using this adoption choice, the birth parent names are concealed and there is no interaction between them and the adoptive parents.
An open adoption is one in which the birth parents and adoptive parents may meet and exchange information with one another. Sometimes, birth parents may see the child or get updates from the adoptive parents regularly.
Legal issues to consider when adopting
Prior to deciding about the type of adoption in which you have an interest, consider the legal issues that it entails. Before an adoption is legally complete, the birth parents may change their minds. This can happen even after the child has been born or you have a verbal agreement. Until the birth parents have legally ended their parental rights, an adoption cannot be made final.
Adding a child to your life is a beautiful experience. Adoption is a great way to add to your family while giving a better life to a child in need. Understanding the basics of adoption and the legal process is key to achieving a smooth transition to adding a child to your family.