Austin, Texas Adoption Attorneys

For Help with Open Adoptions, Closed Adoptions, and Agency Adoptions in Central Texas

Adoption is a wonderful way to create or expand a family, but adoption can involve some complicated legal issues. In order to ensure a smooth adoption process, you should work with an attorney who is experienced in handling these cases. The attorneys at Powers Kerr & Rashidi, PLLC, have represented individuals and couples seeking to adopt children of all ages. We are familiar with Texas adoption laws and requirements, and can help clients work through the adoption process from beginning to end.

Experienced Legal Guidance Through the Adoption Process

There are several ways to add a child to your family through adoption. Our firm is experienced in working with all types of families seeking all types of adoptions. We can provide guidance for:

• Open Adoptions – When the biological and adoptive parents meet before the adoption and remain in contact after the adoption.
• Closed Adoptions – When the biological and adoptive parents do not have contact prior to or following the adoption.
• Agency Adoptions – Adoptions facilitated by a state-owned or privately-owned agency.
• Independent (or Private) Adoptions – Adoptions that are not facilitated by an adoption agency, but that are instead primarily directed by the birth parents.
• International Adoptions – Adoptions of children without U.S. citizenship that involve obtaining a special visa for the child.
• Interstate Adoptions – Adoptions involving children removed from a state other than Texas, and which must comply with interstate compact laws.
• Family Adoptions – Adoptions involving relatives of the child, such as stepparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and other relatives.

Contact an Experienced Adoption Lawyer in Austin, TX

In Texas, adoption follows the termination of parental rights of a birth parent or both birth parents. Termination can be done either voluntarily or involuntarily (as in cases of abuse, neglect, or other situations harmful to the child). Once the adoptive parents file a petition for adoption with the court, a social worker will conduct a social study, relying on a variety of criteria to evaluate the fitness of the adoptive parents. The adoption process thus can be lengthy and involve many confusing steps. Our attorneys will work with you throughout the process and help you understand what is happening and what is required to move forward so that you can realize your dream of expanding your happy family.

For more information on Texas adoptions and how we can help you, call 512-610-6199 or contact us today to discuss your situation.