Adoption laws in Texas

Whether you have your own biological children already or if you are yet to start a family, adopting can be a rewarding and life-changing experience. If you are currently thinking about your future and you are thinking about adopting a child in Texas, you should first take the time to understand the laws in place in the state.

Understanding the basics of the law is a good place to start because it will set the foundations of your understanding. From there, you will be better equipped to predict the likely timeline of the adoption process.

Who is eligible to adopt in Texas?

Any adult is eligible to adopt in the state of Texas. However, if the person petitioning to adopt is married, the petitioner’s spouse must also join in the adoption process unless they are the parent of the child.

Does the child being adopted need to give their consent?

Children over the age of 12 need to actively give their consent for an adoption to take place. However, if a child is under the age of 12, consent is not required.

Can LGBTQ individuals adopt in Texas?

Discrimination against LGBTQ individuals is not permitted by adoption agencies in Texas, so there is no reason why there should be challenges. However, it should be noted that Texas lawmakers have attempted to pass legislation that would allow adoption agencies to refuse applicants based on religious beliefs.

If you are considering adoption in Texas, you should begin the process early so that you can acquire all the information that you need. This will allow you to set goals and expectations before moving forward.