Decatur Adoption Lawyers

Attorneys for All Types of Adoption in Weatherford, Parker County and Wise County

At J.A. Griffin Law Firm, P.C., we understand that adoption can be a wonderfully rewarding experience, but it often comes with an array of issues to manage along the way, including logistical, custodial, and financial concerns as well as psychological and emotional ones. Our attorneys have years of family law experience between us, and we are dedicated to seeing you through this journey successfully. We know what is at stake when it comes to adoption proceedings, and you can rest assured that your legal matters will be handled professionally and expeditiously.

North Texas Attorneys Providing Legal Help Throughout the Adoption Process

The decision to adopt a child requires careful consideration of all potential outcomes. Texas has strict laws in which adoptive parents must meet certain requirements related to residency in the state, age, and disability status. A person who wishes to adopt a child must also be recognized as a "reputable person." Our experienced attorneys have a strong understanding of the applicable adoption rules in Texas, and we can advise you on whether adoption is truly the best choice for you.

Once you have decided to move forward with adoption, you will then need to file a formal request with your local family court, which is known as a petition. Depending on your circumstances, one or both of the adoptive child's biological parents may be required to give up their parental rights. If necessary, you may need to request a termination of parental rights. Because these proceedings can be rather complicated and stressful for a family, we will do our best to find solutions that will help expedite the process and ensure that you can complete your adoption as quickly and easily as possible.

Attorneys Assisting With Different Types of Adoption Cases

At J.A. Griffin Law Firm, P.C., our caring attorneys understand that adopting a child presents many difficulties. We are here to provide supporting counsel and dependable representation in all types of adoption cases, including:

• Stepparent adoption: If you are married to a person who has a child from a previous relationship, formally adopting your stepchild can offer significant legal advantages, and it will establish a permanent legal relationship that will ensure that you will continue to be a part of the child's life, no matter what may happen in the future. Additionally, a co-parent adoption may be an effective solution for same-sex couples in which one partner is a child's biological parent. This allows both partners to become legally recognized parents of the child.
• Related adoption: If you are a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other family member who has taken on the responsibility of caring for a relative's child, you may wish to gain permanent parental rights for the child through adoption.
• Agency adoption: In Texas, there are numerous adoption agencies that help unite children with parents who wish to adopt. Our firm can help you work with governmental organizations or private agencies, ensuring that you complete all steps during the adoption process correctly.
• Independent adoption: When an adoption agreement is reached without the assistance of an adoption agency, and there is no current relationship between the child to be adopted and the prospective parent(s), it is important to make sure the rights of all parties are protected. We can help address any issues that may arise in these situations, such as disputes over the termination of parental rights or the negotiation of open or closed adoption agreements.

The laws of the state of Texas will apply in every adoption that takes place in the state, but in some cases, counties may have their own procedures and guidelines that prospective parents must follow. We understand your desire to change the lives of your family members through adoption, and we are here to assist you throughout this process by providing the legal support you need.

Contact Our Weatherford Adoption Attorneys

If you are planning to expand your family by adopting a child, our team is eager to help you complete the legal process successfully. To arrange a free and confidential consultation give us a call at 817-926-6153 or contact us online. We serve families in Decatur, Fort Worth, Parker County, Wise County, Tarrant County, and throughout North Central Texas.