As helpful as adoption attorneys in Houston can be, there’s no rule saying you have to retain one. You can absolutely try to adopt a child on your own. You may be in a situation where you already have a birth mother interested in letting you adopt their child. Or perhaps you’re considering a step-parent adoption and think you can handle it yourself.
The thing about an adoption is that they can become complicated. What seems like a simple adoption today may become a very contentious situation tomorrow. The birth mother could change their mind. Or, if you’re doing a step-parent adoption, the birth parent may withdraw consent.
When things like this happen, you need to call an experienced adoption lawyer in Houston. They can help you file the necessary paperwork to complete your adoption. They can also help you deal with issues like those described above.
Houston Adoption Attorneys Know How to Deal with Adoption Agencies
If you’re using an adoption agency, you should consider retaining an adoption lawyer in Houston. They know which agencies have a good reputation. They can also make sure you’re not charged unnecessary fees. While not all adoption agencies would do something like this, you still need to be careful.
Your adoption attorney in Houston has the experience necessary to make sure your adoption goes smoothly. They’ve handled dozens of cases just like yours. They know which problems to anticipate. They also know how to handle the obstacles when they do show up.
The other great thing about having an adoption lawyer is that they have relationships with a lot of the agencies. They have spent years cultivating a good rapport with the court system, adoption agencies and other lawyers. This can help make sure your adoption is completed quickly and without issue.
What if the Biological Parent Withdraws Consent?
If you’re looking to do a step-parent adoption, getting consent from the other biological parent is key. It can speed up the adoption process. It can also significantly improve your chances of having the adoption approved.
At any point up until the adoption is complete, the biological parent can withdraw their consent. They may do this for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons they may give the judge include:
- They claim they only agreed under duress. They may argue that you pressured them into signing the forms.
- They were in jail and didn’t expect to be released until much later. For example, if they thought they would have to serve several years, they would’ve been much more amenable to the step-parent adoption.
- They were ill and didn’t think they’d recover. Then, they find out their prognosis is much better than they anticipated.
- They changed their mind. This happens more than you may imagine. A birth parent changes their mind right before the final adoption hearing. They are allowed to attend the hearing and challenge their consent.
Your Houston Adoption Attorney Understands the Adoption Process
One of the benefits of having a Houston adoption attorney is that they understand the family court system. They have appeared before the county judges several times. They know their tendencies. They also know what kinds of things annoy certain judges.
Your attorney also understands the ins and out of the court system. They know exactly what papers need to be filed. They also understand what fees need to be paid. If you retain an experienced adoption attorney in Texas, at least you know your adoption petition will be completed properly.
What a lot of people don’t realize is that a single mistake on an adoption petition can cause it to be dismissed. With the court dockets already being overloaded, the last thing you need is an unnecessary delay. Your attorney can make sure this doesn’t happen.
Contact an Experienced Adoption Attorney in Houston Today
If you and your spouse are looking to adopt a child in Houston, you’re going to need help. You should call and speak with an experienced adoption attorney in Houston before you file any papers. At least let them explain the process to you so you can make an informed decision.
This may be the most important thing you ever do. You don’t want something as small as a missed line on a form cause your adoption to be denied. You may also need help locating the child’s other biological parent. An experienced Houston adoption attorney can help you do this. They’ve spent years developing relationships with people who can help with this process. Call Eddington & Worley today.