Adoption and Termination of Rights in Texas
In most cases, adoptions are a happy occasion for all involved, and the attorney's role is to clear any legal obstacles and make sure that the paperwork is completed correctly. Sometimes, however, an adoption involves terminating parental rights against the will of that parent.
The law firm of Bill De La Garza & Associates, P.C. provides sound counsel and representation for all scenarios, including stepparent adoptions, adoptions by foster parents and adoptions by grandparents or other family members who have assumed custody.
Bill De La Garza is Board Certified, Family Law - Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has handled many adoptions in his 35 years of experience. He practices in Houston, Harris County and surrounding counties of Texas. Arrange a consultation today.
Stepparent, Foster Parent and Family Adoptions
We are always glad to pave the way for an uncontested adoption, a win-win for the child who needs a stabile, loving home and for those adults who have provided care and want to cement their commitment. Adoption bestows all the legal rights and responsibilities of natural parenthood, including inheritance, financial support and decisions regarding education, medical care and upbringing.
In the best case scenario, the biological parent who has been absent or unfit to parent has voluntarily relinquished parental rights, and the proceedings are a formality.
But if the biological parent is not willing to waive those rights, the adoptive parents must petition the court to involuntarily terminate parental rights. We will prepare evidence and witnesses as necessary to back up the grounds for termination, such as:
- Willful failure to provide support to the child
- Abandonment of the child
- Surrendering the child to the care of others
- Endangering the child's welfare (abuse, neglect, drug use, criminal activity)
- Not fit because of serious mental illness
Once the court terminates rights, we can then proceed with the formal adoption process.
| The Other Side of the Story — We have also represented parents who are facing termination of rights and fighting for their kids. The person often has a checkered past of addictions, criminal convictions or CPS interventions. As Child Protective Services or family members move to terminate rights, Bill De La Garza has stood up for biological parents who are turning their life around and hold out hope of regaining custody. |
Texas Termination of Parental Rights Lawyers
Call 888-707-0064 or e-mail us to talk with our experienced Houston child adoption attorneys.
