Can a LGBT Couple Apply for a Foster Adoption in Abilene?

For a LGBT couple, the option of having their own children together doesn’t exist. If they want to start a family, they have to use a surrogate, adopt or choose for one parent to have a biological child.

When it comes to adoption, a LGBT couple has a few choices:

• Apply for a domestic adoption
• Pay for an international adoption
• Arrange for a private adoption
• Choose a foster adoption

All of these are great ways for a LGBT couple to start a family. However, like it or not, gay couples face a lot of challenges that straight couples don’t have to worry about. A lot of adoption agencies have a bias against LGBT applicants. Of course, they won’t say that this is the reason they deny you for an adoption. They’ll come up with a quasi-legitimate reason to do this.

For international adoptions, the bias may be less, but it is very expensive. An average international adoption can cost as much as $40,000. Not many people can afford to do this. And, even if they can, there’s no guarantee that their adoption will be approved.

For some LGBT couples, fostering a child may be their best option. Your LGBT adoption lawyer in Abilene can help you with this process.

 

What Are the Requirements to Be a Foster Parent in Texas?

If you’re thinking about adopting a foster child in Texas, it’s a good idea to try fostering a child first. Not only will this improve your chances of being approved, but it will also prepare you for what it’s like to raise a foster child.

Children in foster care are there for a reason. They may have come from an abusive home. Or, their parents have passed away or will be in prison for a long time. Many foster kids have parents with drug addiction issues. This can cause the child to have behavioral or other medical issues.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, you have to be prepared to handle a child with this kind of background. Before you’re allowed to actually foster a child, you will have to go through mandatory training to handle children with troubled backgrounds. You’ll also have to complete several other steps, including:

• You must be over 21 years old’
• If you’re married, you must provide proof of your marriage
• If you’re divorced, you must provide proof of your divorce
• You must pass a criminal background check
• You will have to prove that you have stable employment
• You must show that you can financially provide for the child
• You must complete a home study so they can confirm you have a safe and secure home environment for the foster child
• You must pass mandatory parenting classes offered by the state

Once you complete all of these steps, your LGBT adoption attorney in Abilene can help you arrange to foster the child. They can also help prepare you for what will be needed to adopt your foster child.

 

If You Are a Foster Parent, Can You Automatically Adopt Your Foster Child?

Some people think that, if they care for a foster child for a long time, they will be able to adopt the child. This isn’t always true. Foster children are in the system for different reasons. They may only be in foster care temporarily while their parents work toward getting their children back. Or, there could be an adoption petition in the works already.

If you are a foster parent, however, your chances of adopting your foster child are higher. For LGBT couples in Abilene who wish to adopt a foster child, you’ll have to go through a similar process as described above.

Your LGBT adoption lawyer in Abilene will help you throughout the process. They’ll make sure you complete all of the necessary paperwork and background checks. They can also guide you through the home study process. Once your petition is pending, your attorney will attend your adoption hearing with you.

Keep in mind – you will be responsible for some of the costs involved in a foster adoption. You will have to pay your legal fees. You’ll also have to cover the costs of your background checks and home study. Your Abilene LGBT adoption lawyer can help answer any questions you may have about costs.

 

Contact an Experienced LGBT Adoption Lawyer in Abilene, Texas

If you and your partner are looking to adopt a foster child, you should call an experienced LGBT adoption lawyer in Abilene. Your attorney will guide you through the entire adoption process.

Call Eddington & Worley today and schedule your initial consultation. Let your attorney answer any questions you may have.