Adoption and Guardianship Attorney in Temple

Fulfilling Your Dreams of Expanding Your Family with Compassionate Legal Counsel

Children are a blessing, and expanding your family through adoption can be one of the greatest joys in life for everyone involved. The road to adoption isn’t easy, though nothing worth having ever is. As such, families must be invested and committed to the process if they want to reach the finish line — hurdles and all. The good news is that in experiencing a variety of adoption cases, we are efficient in navigating the process and can minimize some of the speed bumps. We have helped many wonderful families achieve their dreams and welcome children into their homes from the United States and beyond.

Every adoption process differs, from public to private to local and international adoptions. Know that we can assist and support you with agency adoptions, independent adoptions, international adoptions, legal guardianship, and relative adoptions. When you book a consultation, we can provide an overview of the process, potential legal fees, and related costs, as well as your parental rights. Full transparency is our goal, as is putting you at ease so that you know you’re in capable hands. With all of your delicate and time-sensitive adoption or legal guardianship needs, turn to Barina Law Group for results.

We will help you fulfill your dreams of expanding your family. Contact our law firm today to get started: (254) 323-5506.

Legal Adoption vs. Guardianship

Knowing the differences between adoption and guardianship in Texas is essential for individuals considering their options for providing care and stability for a child. While both legal processes aim to ensure the well-being of a minor, they involve distinct rights and responsibilities for the caregiver. Adoption creates a permanent legal relationship between the adoptive parent and the child, granting the same rights and obligations as those of a biological parent. Guardianship, on the other hand, is often a temporary arrangement that grants a guardian the authority to make decisions for the child without severing the biological parents’ legal ties. Each path serves unique purposes, and knowing which one aligns with your goals can help you make the best decision for the child’s future.

Adoption

Understanding the Different Routes to Adoption

Adopting a child is a meaningful journey, but it’s important to understand that the process can vary greatly depending on your circumstances and preferences. Whether you wish to adopt a newborn or welcome an older child into your family, the path you take will depend on factors like the type of adoption you pursue and your goals for your family. At Barina Law, we guide families through every step of the process, working closely with adoption agencies and the legal system to make the process as seamless as possible.

Public Adoption

Public adoption often involves children in the foster care system who are waiting for a permanent home. These children may have been placed in foster care due to neglect, abuse, or parents being deemed unfit to care for them. Others may include infants whose parents voluntarily placed them into the system because they were unable to provide proper care.

The Foster Care System

The foster care system serves children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers. Adoption through this route can take one to five years to finalize, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. One of the advantages of public adoption is that the state often subsidizes the process, making it a more cost-effective option for prospective parents. Many states also offer foster-to-adopt programs, which allow children to be placed in your home temporarily with the potential for a permanent adoption later. Some children in these programs are already eligible for adoption and can join your family without a long waiting period.

Private Adoption

Private adoption involves a direct agreement between the adoptive parents and the biological parents. In these cases, the biological parents voluntarily terminate their parental rights, allowing the adoptive family to step in. This option often appeals to families who prefer to adopt a newborn and wish to establish a more personal connection with the biological parents.

Private adoption can sometimes be a quicker process than public adoption, but it typically involves higher costs. Many families choose to work with adoption agencies to help facilitate this process, ensuring all legal requirements are met and both parties are supported throughout the journey. Private adoption also offers greater flexibility for adoptive parents who want to play a more active role in decisions like prenatal care and the level of openness in the adoption arrangement.

Deciding between public and private adoption is a deeply personal choice. Both options offer unique benefits, and the right path depends on your family’s needs and goals. Whether you wish to provide a home for a child already in the foster system or seek to adopt a newborn through a private arrangement, it’s crucial to have experienced legal guidance. At Barina Law, we work closely with adoption agencies and families to navigate the complexities of adoption. We help ensure every legal requirement is met while prioritizing the best interests of the child and the adoptive family. Contact us today to learn how we can support you in building your family through adoption.

What is a Private Adoption in Texas?

Private adoption is when the birth parents select adoptive parents and place the child directly with them. This arrangement transfers custody directly between the parents rather than through an adoption agency.

Terms of a private adoption—such as whether the birth parents will be involved, parental rights, and medical and birthing costs—are typically solidified before the birth. This is a critical stage to involve an attorney to ensure your parental rights are protected.

With such a difficult and emotional decision, biological parents can decide to withdraw or change their minds after the baby is born. Without any legal agreement or option for legal recourse, you could lose out on the adoption and be on the hook for medical costs.

In a private adoption, the cost ranges from $25,000 to $38,000, according to adoption.org. The same study shows that agency adoptions can cost anywhere from $30,500 to $48,500 for comparison purposes.

What Disqualifies You from Adopting a Child?

There are certain requirements to adopt in Texas. Adoption agencies, biological parents, and the foster care system look at various factors before signing over any rights. These include:

Proof of age—at least 21 years of age
Character-specific traits such as maturity
A complete application for adoption
Clean background check
Solid references
Proof of marriage or divorce
Complete home visit

Regarding disqualifications, certain circumstances will prevent you from adopting a child or becoming a legal guardian in Texas. The state requires at least a 20-year probation period for certain criminal convictions related to enticing a child, aggravated assault, prohibited sexual contact, advertising for placement of a child, prostitution, and interference with child custody, per childwelfare.gov.

Suppose you have criminal charges on your record and are interested in becoming a legal guardian or adopting a child. In that case, it’s best to have an attorney review your history before jumping to conclusions.

Guardianship

How Do I Get Legal Guardianship of a Child?

Guardianship is a unique role, and it differs from adoption.

A legally-appointed guardian can make essential decisions on another person’s behalf and, in this case, a minor child. This includes financial decisions, everyday essentials, medical care, education, and activities.

When a biological parent cannot properly care for a child or pass away unexpectedly, family members such as grandparents or stepparents might want to pursue legal guardianship to care for the child or children as their own.

You must follow a strict procedure in Texas to obtain guardianship, and most courts will not consider applications that aren’t reviewed or filled out by an experienced family lawyer. We can help you file the appropriate paperwork, represent you in a hearing, and ensure the court sees why you’re a viable option for your loved one.

Request a Consultation Today

Whether legal guardianship or adoption, both processes demand the time, attention, and knowledge of a family law attorney experienced in adoption and guardianship laws. Barina Law Group is the answer, and we will handle you and your adoption or guardianship needs as if they’re our own.

Book a consultation with our firm to discuss your adoption and legal guardianship case: (254) 323-5506.