Growing Your Family Through Love
Adoption can be a selfless and rewarding way of growing your family or accomplishing your dream of becoming a parent. According to the Adoption Network, over 135,000 children are adopted into loving homes every year.
Crista Marichalar Branch and her family law team help individuals and couples of all backgrounds succeed in their adoption goals by reducing emotional and financial risks.
Varieties Of Adoption
In addition to guiding you through the procedures and legalities of an agency adoption, we can assist you with the following:
Private adoption: Also known as an independent adoption, it occurs when the adoptive parents and birth family work together independently from an agency. We will make sure that all legal and documentation requirements are met to make the adoption legitimate.
Interstate and international adoption: These adoptions can be more complicated because each state and country typically has its own guidelines and laws regarding the process.
Stepparent adoption: In this situation, you adopt your current spouse’s child or children. These adoptions are comparatively straightforward provided that the other parent consents, but if issues arise, we can advise you on how to proceed.
Relative adoption: If you want to adopt a child who is related to you biologically or through marriage, such as a niece, nephew, grandchild or cousin, our firm will help you comply with all legalities.
Under the Texas Family Code, any adult may adopt, although married petitioners require their spouse’s consent. If the child is aged 12 or over, they must also consent to the adoption. After the petition is filed, there is a period of six months to a year before most adoptions become final. During this time, there will be a court-ordered home study to ensure that the new arrangement is both a happy one and in the child’s best interests. If all is satisfactory, the court will grant a permanent decree of adoption.
Contact A San Antonio Adoption Attorney
The experienced adoption team at Branch Law Firm is excited to help you grow your family through adoption. We understand what’s at stake and will provide the legal expertise and guidance to make the process as smooth as possible. As needed, we will help you obtain the termination of a biological parent’s rights and fulfill a required home study.
To schedule a consultation with Crista Marichalar Branch to discuss your adoption goals, contact us by email or by phone at (210) 229-2088.