Can I Adopt My Partner’s Biological Child in Houston?

For LGBT couples, having children the old-fashioned way isn’t really an option. If they want to start a family, they have to look at the alternatives – adoption, in vitro fertilization or surrogacy. The most common way to start a family for LGBT couples is adoption. Typically, they consider the traditional route, using a domestic adoption agency. However, this has become even harder to do in Texas. With recent laws making it legal to discriminate against LGBT adoption applicants, people are considering other ways of adopting a child. This may include international adoption. But, more often, it involves LGBT couples finding their own adoption candidate. They talk to family and friends and find someone looking to put their child up for adoption. For others, it involves adopting their partner or spouse’s biological child from a previous relationship.

Just because someone is LGBT, it doesn’t mean they don’t have children from earlier romantic relationships. A lot of people either don’t realize they’re gay or don’t come out until later in life. This means they could’ve been married for years. They could have a child from a prior marriage. Or, they were involved with someone when they were younger and they had a child together. Since they’re obviously no longer with that person, there’s a chance they could have custody of that child. If the other parent isn’t involved or is no longer in the picture, it may be possible for their partner to adopt their biological child. This is more common than you may think in Houston.

If this is something you’re interested in doing, it’s a good idea to call and talk to an experienced LGBT adoption lawyer in Houston. They know how the adoption process works in Texas. They can stand by you every step of the way and make sure the adoption is approved.

Is the Process to Adopt Your Partner’s Biological Child Difficult in Texas?

Adopting your partner or spouse’s biological child is a bit easier than using an adoption agency. You don’t have to worry about being approved for adoption or finding the ideal child. You won’t have to worry about the adoption agency fees. But you do still have to complete the adoption process with the local family courts. Your Houston LGBT adoption attorney understands this process. They’ve helped dozens of other LGBT clients over the years. And now that gay marriage is legal in Texas, there are more couples pursuing step-parent adoptions.

The process is rather straight forward. It’s pretty much the same as any other adoption. The hardest part will be getting the other biological parent to agree to the termination of their parental rights. If they are out of the picture, this will be a bit easier. For example, if you can prove that they’re deceased or haven’t been involved in the child’s life for years, the court will be more liable to terminate their rights. Or, if they’re willing to consent to the adoption, they can sign off on the termination of their rights.

Once this has been done, you’ll need to complete the necessary background checks. This includes a criminal background check as well as a financial background check. The court needs to know that you’ll be able to support the child financially. Finally, you’ll need to complete a successful home study. If you can do these things, there’s a good chance your adoption petition will be approved.

Having a skilled LGBT adoption lawyer by your side increases the chances that your petition is approved. They can make sure you complete all the necessary legal filings. They can also educate you about the home study and background check process.

Contact Our Office to Discuss Adopting Your Partner’s Child in Houston, Texas

If you intend to adopt your partner’s biological child, you should call our office as soon as possible. Some people think adopting a child involves nothing more than a lot of paperwork. This isn’t the case in Texas. You have to file the petition and make sure you terminate the other parent’s legal rights. You also have to complete a background check and a home study. As discussed above, this can be very complicated. One wrong move and your adoption petition can be dismissed. Even if you can do it all over again, it can be very costly and time-consuming. That’s why you should meet with an experienced Houston LGBT adoption attorney before you start the process. Let them guide you through the adoption process so you have the best chance of starting your family.