Austin LGBTQ+ Adoptions Attorneys
So many children need a good home. There are lots of babies out there who don’t have loving parents. And, a lot of LGBTQ+ couples want to adopt children. The problem is, the system puts up lots of roadblocks to make this difficult. The bottom line is that LGBTQ+ parents face a hard road when it comes to adoptions. There are mistaken perceptions that gay parents expose their children to dangerous and unhealthy lifestyles. Some people believe that children of LGBTQ+ couples get harassed and bullied. However, there is very little truth to this and couples often need the help of Austin LGBTQ+ adoption attorneys to successfully complete their family.
Sexual orientation should never be a factor when it comes to adoption. However, sometimes it is. Adoption agencies and caseworkers give LGBTQ+ parents a harder time. They scrutinize their lifestyle and make judgments about their sexual orientation. They do more detailed background checks. During their home study, the caseworker may look for things to criticize. A Texas LGBTQ+ adoption attorney will ensure that couples are not discriminated against and receive the equal rights that they are entitled to and deserve.
Thankfully, whether you’re LGBTQ+ or not, there are experienced adoption lawyers in Austin, Texas who can help. Adopting a child is the biggest decision you’ll ever make. You want to do it with the help of an experienced LGBTQ+ adoption attorney. Call Eddington & Worley today at 855-949-0056 and receive a risk-free consultation with our adoption experts.
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Austin Adoption Attorneys Help LGBTQ+ Applicants Find Their Babies
Any adoption can be difficult. The decision to grant legal custody of children to virtual strangers can be scary for a judge. He wants to make sure that he does whatever’s in the best interests of the children. However, LGBTQ+ adoptions tend to be even more challenging.
Agency adoptions may still be the best option for a lot of LGBTQ+ couples. Hundreds of babies are waiting for a loving home. Agencies are always looking for good parents to adopt. But, are they looking for parents who are LGBTQ+?
Just to make sure, you’ll want to find an adoption agency that is willing to work with LGBTQ+ couples. You need someone to help find you the perfect child.
There are certain steps you need to take for an agency adoption in Texas. Although you’ll be working with an adoption agency, you’re much better off if you have an LGBTQ+ adoption attorney in Austin help guide the way.
How To Complete an Adoption in Texas
The adoption process can seem difficult, especially for LGBTQ+ couples. If this is your first adoption, you may feel very intimidated. The good news is that your attorney is not. He’s handled dozens of adoptions and is more than ready to help you.
Here is the private adoption process in a nutshell. Ask your LGBTQ+ adoption attorney in Austin to discuss the process in more detail and ask any questions you may have.
Select a Professional Adoption Agency
First, look for an adoption agency that is open-minded and will consider LGBTQ+ applicants. You at the success rates for different agencies. You also want to look for one that has a good reputation.
Complete Your Home Study
Although anyone over 21 is eligible to fill out an application for adoption in Texas, there are other requirements. One of these is that you complete a home study.
- Criminal records for anyone over 14 living in your household
- Your financial records
- Recent health records
- Letters of reference from friends and family
- Home inspection visits that take place prior to placement
Completing the adoption process can be rigorous and stressful, but the end result is worth it all.
Become Eligible for Adoption
Before you move forward with the adoption process, all of your paperwork has to be processed. You need to become eligible to adopt in Texas. Contact an LGBTQ+ adoption lawyer in Austin to help you do this. He can make sure you have all the necessary forms and ensure that you fill them outright.
Once you qualify for adoption, your eligibility is good for 18 months.
Make Sure the Child You Plan to Adopt is Made Eligible for Adoption
Once you complete your own eligibility requirements, you have to do the same thing for your prospective child.
Once your LGBTQ+ adoption attorney in Austin helps you finalize your adoption application, your adoption will be complete.
In Most Cases, an LGBTQ+ Adoption Lawyer in Austin Can Help
There are times when an adoption is approved very easily. These cases are usually private adoptions where the parties consent to the adoption.
Most adoptions run into some issues – especially adoptions by LGBTQ+ parents. Even if you use an adoption agency, you really want to retain the experienced Austin LGBTQ+ adoption attorneys at Eddington & Worley as well.
Your LGBTQ+ adoption attorney knows the adoption process. He’s done it more times than he can count. Depending on your case, you’ll have to notify certain parties of your intent to adopt. You must serve copies of your adoption via registered mail to the following people:
- Biological father
- Biological mother
- Foster parents
- Current adoptive parents
Your LGBTQ+ adoption attorney in Austin can take care of this for you. They’ll locate the biological parents. Or, they’ll hire investigators to do this for you. They’ll also make sure everyone gets copies of your adoption petition.
Your Austin Adoption Attorney Can Help You Understand the Requirements for an Adoption
In order to adopt a child in Texas, you must meet certain criteria. The requirements for adoption in Texas include:
- You must be at least 21 years old
- You must be financially stable
- Be a responsible and mature adult
- Show proof of marriage or divorce depending on the circumstances
- Attend mandatory training
Once you’re approved to proceed with your adoption, you’ll want to schedule your home study. There are no exceptions to this rule. The judge wants to make sure he’s placing the child in a safe and loving home. He doesn’t want to place in a dirty or unsafe home. He also doesn’t want to give the child to parents who aren’t fit to raise a child.
The judge also wants to learn what kind of person you are. The caseworker will review things such as: Do you have a good work history? Are you going to be able to provide for your child? Do you have a criminal record? Do you abuse drugs or alcohol?
The caseworker is going to ask some questions you don’t want to answer. You have to answer their questions. If you don’t, they’ll say you didn’t comply with the home study.
They will ask you about your lifestyle. If they find out you’re gay, they are going to ask you pointed questions. There is a misperception that LGBTQ+ parents can expose their children to a lifestyle that isn’t in the best interests of the child. Your lawyer can help you overcome these challenges.
Your adoption attorney can help guide you through the process and make your dreams a reality. Call today.
What Are the Duties of an Austin Private Adoption Attorney?
If you’re afraid to choose an agency adoption, you can always do a private adoption. It’s just harder because, with a private adoption, you have to locate the child yourself. There is no website where you can find children available for adoption.
These cases usually involve parents who already know someone with a child available for adoption. It could be a friend or family member who isn’t able to raise his or her child. Or it could be someone who knows you’ve adopted children in the past and trusts you.
Texas law supports private adoptions. You still have to complete the steps of a regular adoption. That’s why you need an LGBTQ+ private adoption attorney in Austin.
Private adoptions must be handled in a certain way. If you mess it up, you won’t get a second chance. Every time you delay your adoption, you give the biological parents another opportunity to challenge the adoption.
Your adoption lawyer will help with the following parts of your adoption:
- Ensure that all documents are completed and filed with the correct courts or agencies
- Handle any payment that is to be made to the birth mother
- Refer you to the appropriate home study teams
- Represent you at the adoption hearing in court
- Ensure that the rights of the baby’s birth father are addressed
- Handle any issues regarding a transfer of the child from one state to another
- Ensure that all Texas laws are complied with fully
Contact an Adoption Attorney in Austin Today
If you and your partner are ready to adopt a child, contact our Austin LGBTQ+ adoption attorneys today. Your attorney will answer any questions you may have about the adoption process in Texas. He will help you weigh the benefits of a private adoption with an agency adoption Either way, he can help you navigate the adoption process.
Adopting a child is the most important thing you’ll ever do. You’ll be starting a family, you don’t want to mess it up. The law is strict. Lawyers are good at making sure you’ve done everything required by the court to complete your adoption.
Contact Eddington & Worley today to schedule your free initial consultation. He can answer any questions you may have. He can also help you find an adoption agency if that’s the route you want to take.
There’s no time like now to start your family. Why wait to start the adoption process? Call an LGBTQ+ adoption attorney with Eddington & Worley today.