What Kind of Adoption is Right for You?

Whether you have been thinking about adoption for years or you are just now beginning to consider adoption as an option for growing your family, it’s important to be informed. If you live in Texas and are thinking about adopting, you should know the basics of how the process works in the state.

Take the time to learn about the different types of adoption as you consider growing your family. As an experienced family law attorney, James P. Peterson can guide you through each step of the process. His law firm, James P. Peterson Attorney at Law, is proud to serve clients in and near San Antonio, Texas, as well as Boerne and New Braunfels.

Types of Adoption in Texas

As you dive into the adoption process, it is important to know that there are three main types of adoption: open, semi-open, and closed. But in Texas, all adoptions are closed and foreclose any rights of the birth parents.

Open Adoption

In an open adoption, the child’s biological parents will have some sort of a relationship with the adopting parent or parents and the child. This may include visiting or spending time with the child. The details will be decided by the new parents. It is against Texas public policy for the courts to order an open adoption. A birth mother or father should never be guaranteed any access to the child or anything of value as an inducement to give up their parental rights.

Semi-Open Adoption

On the other hand, in a semi-open adoption, the biological parents will not have the option of visiting the child or having contact with the child. However, the biological parents will have the option of spending time with the baby when he or she is born and can request to receive pictures and letter updates over the years. It is against Texas public policy for the courts to order a semi-open adoption. Any guarantee of future contact should not be made.

Closed Adoption

In a closed adoption, the biological parents will most likely not ever meet or have a relationship with the adopting parents. Once the baby is born, there will be no pictures or updates between the adopting parents and the biological parents. But it is permissible for the adoptive parents to allow the biological parents access to the child.

Which Type of Adoption Is Right For You?

It’s possible to take different routes to adoption, including choosing a domestic adoption, embryo adoption, foster adoption, or international adoption.

Domestic Adoption

You can choose to adopt a baby, child, or teenager born in the United States. When the child is born in the U.S. and is adopted by parents living in the U.S., this is considered a domestic adoption.

Embryo Adoption

In embryo adoption, a couple who previously fertilized and stored their eggs donates the embryo to a couple or individual who is unable to conceive. This allows another couple or individual the chance to become a parent.

Foster Adoption

Foster parents can choose to adopt a child they have provided care for through the foster system. However, the child’s biological parents must give up or lose their legal parental rights in order for a foster adoption to take place.

International Adoption

When a couple or an individual seeks to adopt a child who was born and resides outside the U.S., this is considered an international adoption. The result is that a child from another country will be permanently placed with the parent or family in the U.S.

How To Prepare For Adoption in Texas

Depending on your life circumstances, you may spend months or even years preparing for adoption. Take these steps to ensure that you are ready for this major life change.

Research Information Needed to Adopt

First, you should research more about the adoption process before you make any formal commitments. Read books and articles about adoption, and you may also want to watch videos about the adoption journey. Seek answers to your questions before you commit yourself to the adoption process.

The Home Study Process

You should prepare for the home study process. In this step, there will be an exploration of your background to see what sort of home you would provide for the child. It may include health evaluations, background checks, copies of your marriage license and birth certificate, an interview, and a home visit.

Bring Your Family Home

At the end of the process, you will bring your child home. Take steps to make your house feel like a home for your new family member. You will need to be flexible and open-minded as you grow together. Do everything you can to be welcoming and nurturing during this time.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help You

During this long, complex, and emotional adoption process, it can be helpful to work with an experienced family law attorney. James P. Peterson is dedicated to helping families who want to open their homes and their hearts to children. James P. Peterson Attorney at Law is proud to serve clients in and near San Antonio, Texas, as well as Boerne and New Braunfels. Contact the firm today to schedule a free consultation.