What is the process to adopt a child?

In order to secure an adoption in Texas the Court must (1) terminate the birth parents’ rights to the child; and (2) the adoption must be approved by the court.

Before a Court will terminate a birth parent’s rights, a guardian ad litem will need to be appointed and will need to speak with each party and report their findings to the Court. Additionally, before the Court will grant an adoption, the Court will require a “home study,” and a criminal history report of each adoptive parent.

Who are the legal “parents” after an adoption is complete?

After the adoption is granted, the adoptive parent(s) become that child’s legal parent(s) with all the rights and duties as if the child was naturally born to him/her.