If You’re an LGBT Parent Looking to Adopt in Texas, Does it Matter if You’re Married or Single?

One of the first questions a lot of LGBT people ask when it comes to adoption is – can I adopt a child if I’m single? Texas LGBT adoption lawyers are used to hearing this question. You’d be surprised at how many single people are actually interested in adopting a child. Perhaps they haven’t found their life partner yet. Or, they may have chosen long ago to never marry. That doesn’t mean they don’t want to have kids.

As you well know, most LGBT people don’t have their own biological children. Not only is impractical, but it is usually impossible. Unless you want to have a child with a friend or surrogate, adoption may be your only option to have a family. This is why you want to make sure you have an experienced LGBT adoption lawyer in Texas. They’ll make sure your petition is handled properly from the start.

When it comes to adopting a child, it may seem unfair, but it is harder for a single parent to adopt in Texas. This isn’t necessarily because you’re single. It has more to do with practical things, such as:

• You will only have about half the financial resources as an LGBT couple
• You will be expected to raise the child on your own, without the help of a second parent
• If anything happens to you, there will be nobody to take care of your adopted child
• Single people tend to life a lifestyle that may not be conducive to raising a child

While some (or all) of these may apply in your situation, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to adopt a child. Your Texas LGBT adoption lawyer will work hard to help your dream become a reality.

Single Parents Simply Don’t Have the Resources an LGBT Couple Has

It’s a fact that a single person doesn’t have the same resources as an LGBT couple. First of all, you don’t have the possibility of a second income. Even if your partner doesn’t work, that doesn’t mean they can’t work. If you lose your job, your partner or spouse could always get a job.

The other challenge facing a single parent is that they have nobody there to help care for the child. If you have to go away for business, who is going to watch your baby? Or, if you work long hours, how are you going to make dinner and help your child do their homework?

While these are practical considerations, they make a big difference when it comes to being a parent. An LGBT couple has twice the resources as a single person. Your judge and caseworker are going to take this into account when making their recommendations.

Your Texas LGBT Adoption Lawyer Will Discuss Your Options

Just because LGBT singles face their own challenges when it comes to adopting a child doesn’t mean it’s impossible. There are still options when it comes to starting a family. Your adoption lawyer in Texas has handled dozens of cases like yours. They can help brainstorm ideas for how you can start your family.

One option is to negotiate a private, indepedent adoption. You may have a friend or family member who knows someone who’s looking for an adoptive mother. For example, you may have a niece who gets pregnant at 15. Her parents know she isn’t ready to raise a child. However, they like the idea of a family member adopting the baby.

In cases like this, it doesn’t matter so much that you’re single. Yes, you’ll still have to pass the home study. But, the hardest part about an LGBT adoption is finding the child to adopt. Without having to deal with an adoption agency, your chances will increase. Adoption agencies discriminate against LGBT couple. You can only imagine how they treat single LGBT people when they’re looking to adopt a child.

Contact a Skilled LGBT Adoption Attorney in Texas

If you’re single and a member of the LGBT community, you’ll face numerous challenges when it comes to adopting a baby. An experienced LGBT adoption lawyer may be able to help you achieve your dreams of starting a family.

There are options out there for a single person who wants to adopt a child. If you meet all of the other criteria, your lawyer may be able to help match you with an adoption agency. They’ll also make sure your adoption petition is handled properly from the start.