Denton Adoptions Attorney
In Texas, the most prevalent adoption cases involve a foster parent, stepparent, or relative adopting a child who is already in their care. For situations like these, the adoption process simply provides legality for a pre-existing parent-child relationship.
Adoption should be an exciting and joyful experience as you add a new member to your family. Denton family-law attorney Joseph Zellmer strives to ensure the process remains positive by providing expert legal guidance every step of the way.
Adoption Terminations in Texas
In order for a stepparent, relative, or foster parent to adopt a child in their keeping, the legal rights of the biological parents must be first be terminated. Termination can occur voluntarily or involuntarily.
A voluntary termination involves a biological parent abdicating their parental and legal rights for the child by signing an affidavit. This affidavit helps simplify the process and allows the adoptive proceedings to begin. If, however, the biological parent refuses to relinquish his or her rights, the adoptive parents must then file a petition requesting termination.
For foster parent adoptions, the process differs slightly in that the rights are usually already terminated by Texas Child Protective Services (CPS).
We at the office of Joseph F. Zellmer understand that the adoption termination process can be very difficult on your family and your adopted child. We will do everything we can to make the process as easy and pleasant as possible and will work tirelessly to obtain the results you and your family need.