Houston LGBTQ+ Adoption Attorney

We see stories about children who need a good home all the time. And, there are plenty of people out there willing to adopt. The problem is, the law doesn’t look at all adoption applicants the same way. Like it or not, if you’re LGBTQ+, you’ll have to work harder to get approved for adoption. This is why you should call a skilled LGBTQ+ adoption attorney in Houston, Texas. You will face certain unique issues in your adoption that straight applicants don’t have to face.

Despite the fact that some of the most amazing parents are LGBTQ+, a lot of adoption agencies refuse to work with them. Or, if they won’t come right out and say this is the case, they make it so difficult that they may as well. That is when a Houston family law attorney steps in.

Sexual orientation should not be the basis for adoption. However, unofficially, it is. We all know that adoption agencies and caseworkers give LGBTQ+ parents a harder time. When they do the home study, they look for things to criticize. And when they do their background interviews, they pay particular attention to sexual orientation.

The good news is, no matter the circumstances, there are compassionate and experienced LGBTQ+ adoption lawyers in Houston, Texas ready to help. Adopting a child is one of the most important things you’ll ever do. Don’t try to handle this yourself, call Eddington Worley today.

Houston Adoption Attorneys Can Help LGBTQ+ Applicants

Some of the most complicated adoptions are those involving LGBTQ+ applicants. However, agency adoptions may be the best option for a lot of people. Thousands of babies around the world need a loving parent.  You’ll want to find an adoption agency that is willing to work with you to find the perfect child.

There are a few steps you need to take to complete an agency adoption in Texas. And, although you’ll be working with an adoption agency, you also need an LGBTQ+ adoption attorney in Houston to help guide the way.

Steps for an Adoption in Texas:

As mentioned above, the adoption process can seem intimidating. This is especially true if you’re not familiar with it.  Here is the private adoption process in a nutshell. Talk to your LGBTQ+ adoption attorney in Houston to discuss the process in more detail.

Select a professional adoption agency

You really want to do your homework when it comes to choosing an adoption agency in Texas. Since you’ll need to use an agency to find your potential child, you want to find one that is above board and has a good reputation. You also want to find one that supports LGBTQ+ adoptions.

Complete your home study

Under Texas law, anyone over 21 is eligible to fill out an application for adoption. However, you must meet certain basic requirements to move forward in the process. One of these requirements is that you’ll have to complete a home study.

The home study looks at several factors, including:

• Criminal records for anyone over 14 living in your household
• Your financial records
• Recent health records
• Letters of reference from friends and family
• Home inspection visits that take place prior to placement
• Become eligible for adoption

You have to complete all the necessary forms to become eligible to adopt. Contact an LGBTQ+ adoption lawyer in Houston to find out what these forms are. Your lawyer will help you complete the forms so they’re done right. Once you qualify for adoption, your eligibility is good for 18 months.

Make sure the child you plan to adopt is made eligible for adoption

Once you complete your own eligibility requirements, you have to do the same thing for your prospective child.

Once your LGBTQ+ adoption attorney in Houston helps you finalize your adoption application, your adoption will be complete.

How Can an LGBTQ+ Adoption Lawyer in Houston Help?

Not all adoptions are complicated. However, it’s really not something you want to handle yourself. Even with an adoption agency, you want to have an experienced LGBTQ+ adoption attorney in Houston.

Your LGBTQ+ adoption attorney will navigate the system with you. They’re familiar with all the requirements for a Texas adoption. They know the laws regarding private adoptions. Depending on your situation, you’ll probably have to give notice of the adoption to certain parties. You must serve copies of your adoption via registered mail to the following people:

• Biological father
• Biological mother
• Foster parents
• Current adoptive parents

Your LGBTQ+ adoption attorney in Houston will guide you through this process. They can ensure that you meet all court deadlines. They’ll go to any court hearings with you. They’ll make sure all the “T”s are crossed and all the “I”s are dotted.

Your Texas Adoption Attorney Will Explain the Requirements for a Texas Adoption

In order to adopt a child in Texas, you must meet certain criteria. The requirements for adoption in Texas include:

• You must be at least 21 years old
• You must be financially stable
• Be a responsible and mature adult
• Show proof of marriage or divorce depending on the circumstances
• Attend mandatory training

Once you’re qualified to apply to adopt, you’ll have to undergo a home study. You can’t adopt a child without this step. The caseworker assigned to your file will want to see how you live. They want to see what kind of parent you’ll be.

They’ll also want to see what kind of a home you’re going to provide your child. Is it safe and clean? Do you have a place for the child to sleep? Are you prepared to enroll the child in school and help him or her with homework?

The caseworker is going to ask you a lot of personal questions. Some of these questions will have to do with your being LGBTQ+. Be prepared for this. They are allowed to ask these questions. Technically, they aren’t allowed to deny your petition for this reason. That doesn’t mean they won’t hide their bias for other reasons. Your attorney will make sure you aren’t treated unfairly in this process.

The caseworker is going to do a walk-thru of your home. Since this may be the most visitor you ever have in your home, prepare. Clean and organize your home prior to the visit. Make sure all firearms are put away.

What Does a Houston Private Adoption Attorney Do?

Some people opt for a private adoption as opposed to using an adoption agency. Texas law recognizes private adoptions. In private adoptions, you’ll have to locate the child to be adopted on your own. Maybe a friend or family member has asked you to adopt their baby. Or maybe you know the birth parents some other way.

Regardless, you’ll be on your own for most of the adoption process. That’s why you need to call an LGBTQ+ private adoption attorney in Houston.

Private adoptions must be handled perfectly. If you don’t do it exactly right, your petition will be denied. Or the birth parents can challenge the adoption years later. Your adoption lawyer can help with the following parts of your adoption:

• Ensure that all documents are completed and filed with the correct courts or agencies
• Handle any payment that is to be made to the birth mother
• Refer you to the appropriate home study teams
• Represent you at the adoption hearing in court
• Ensure that the rights of the baby’s birth father are addressed
• Handle any issues regarding a transfer of the child from one state to another
• Ensure that all Texas laws are complied with fully

Contact an Adoption Attorney in Houston Today

If you and your partner want to adopt a child, contact a Houston adoption attorney today. Your attorney will answer any questions you may have about the adoption process in Texas. You may be looking to complete a private adoption or agency adoption Either way, your LGBTQ+ adoption lawyer can help you navigate the adoption process.

Adopting a child will be the most important decision you ever make. Don’t try to handle it yourself. If you miss one filing deadline, it will delay the process and possibly derail it. Most adoptions take about 6-7 months. It can take twice this long if you don’t have an adoption attorney by your side.

Adoption lawyers know how important your adoption is to you. They’re going to fight to make sure you can adopt your child. They’ll help you overcome any obstacles you may face. They’ll also make sure you aren’t discriminated against because of your sexual orientation.

Contact a local Houston family law attorney today to schedule your free initial consultation. They can answer any questions you may have. They can also help you find an adoption agency if that’s the route you want to take.

There’s no time like now to start your family. Why wait to start the adoption process? Call an LGBTQ+ adoption attorney in Houston today.