Stepparent Adoption

Experienced Dallas Adoption Lawyers

Grandparent and Stepparent Adoption Process in Texas

At Diana S. Friedman, P.C., we help clients with stepparent adoptions and grandparent adoptions. If you are considering adoption of your stepchild or grandchild, our family lawyers can help you navigate the often complicated legal procedures necessary to complete a successful adoption.

From our uptown Dallas offices, our law firm represents clients in a variety of family law matters. We understand that every family, and every family law matter is unique. Instead of using a cookie-cutter approach to our clients' cases, we take the time to understand our clients' situations, concerns and goals. Then we work hard to custom tailor a legal strategy designed to achieve the best outcome possible in the circumstances.

In many adoptions, the stepparent, grandparent or other relative has been acting as a parent to their grandchild or stepchild for a long time. One or both of the child's biological parents may have had little involvement with the child, or the child was abused or neglected by the biologic parent. 

If you want to formalize a parental relationship with your stepchild, grandchild or other child relative, contact the adoption attorneys at Diana S. Friedman, P.C.

Relinquishment or Termination of Parental Rights is the First Step

In any familial adoption, any living biological parent must voluntarily relinquish his or her parental rights, or a court must find reason to terminate his or her parental rights. This can often be the most difficult hurdle in a relative adoption — particularly if the biological parent cannot be found. In some cases, however, the biological parent is eager to sign a document relinquishing parental rights, because he or she will be relieved of the obligation to pay child support. After the rights of the biological parent are extinguished, a relative can come in to adopt the child.

If the court finds the adoption is in the best interest of the child, the adoption will be approved. The adoptive parent will then have the legal rights of a parent, including the ability to make decisions regarding the child's school, medical treatment and other major events. The adopted child now will have the right to inherit from his adoptive parent, and has security of being wanted and belonging to a loving family.

For answers to your questions about stepparent or grandparent adoption, contact our Dallas law office to schedule an appointment with an adoption lawyer.