Adoption brings a mix of emotions—hope, excitement, nerves, and a lot of unknowns. Whether you are looking to adopt a stepchild or a relative or you’re going through an agency or private match, the process can feel overwhelming.
That is where we come in. At Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, we help families in West Lake Hills figure it out step by step. If you are considering adoption and want some guidance, reach out—we are ready to help. You can contact us online or call (512) 957-3450 for a case evaluation with one of our West Lake Hills adoption lawyers.
Why You Need an Adoption Attorney in West Lake Hills
Many people enter adoption thinking it is just filling out some forms and showing they have a stable home. But it is an entire legal process with deadlines, court hearings, background checks, and paperwork that can quickly become overwhelming. Having a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of Texas adoption laws can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
Our West Lake Hills adoption lawyers help clients with all adoption situations. Whether a grandparent is adopting a grandchild or a couple is adopting through an agency, we are here to make the legal side less intimidating. We don’t just handle forms—we are with you in court, we talk through your questions, and we help you understand what to expect every step of the way.
Private and Agency Adoptions
Some families adopt through private arrangements with the birth parents, while others go through licensed agencies. Each path has its own set of rules, timelines, and paperwork. Our team will help you understand which option is best for you and ensure everything is done correctly.
We handle specialties like drafting contact agreements with birth parents, reviewing adoption agency contracts, and representing you in court. You don’t have to navigate the process alone—we are here to guide you through it.
Relative and Kinship Adoptions
Adopting a family member can feel more straightforward but still involves legal steps. If you are taking custody of a niece, nephew, grandchild, or sibling, we will walk you through how to legally adopt them so you can give them the security of a stable, permanent home.
Sometimes, people don’t realize they need to go through a formal adoption. They think having custody is enough. But to get full parental rights—including the ability to make medical and school decisions—you need a court-approved adoption.
Stepparent Adoptions
If you are married and want to adopt your spouse’s child, you are not alone—it is one of the most common types of adoption. The biggest hurdle is usually ending the other biological parent’s rights. Sometimes, that is simple, especially if the parent is out of the picture or agrees. Other times, it is more complicated.
We will walk you through your options and handle the paperwork, notices, and court steps.
International Adoptions
International adoptions can be tricky—you are working with both U.S. immigration laws and the legal system in the child’s home country. We have guided families through them before and know how to handle the details. From working with agencies to reviewing foreign documents and helping with visas or citizenship, we make sure you are not left guessing. Having an experienced Texas adoption attorney by your side makes all the difference when a lot is on the line.
What the Adoption Process Looks Like in Texas
Every adoption is a little different, but here is a general idea of how things usually go:
- Filing an Adoption Petition – This kicks off the process officially.
- Home Study – A licensed social worker will review your home, lifestyle, and background in-depth.
- Background Checks – Texas requires criminal history and abuse registry checks.
- Parental Rights Termination – If the child has living biological parents, their rights have to be voluntarily or involuntarily terminated.
- Court Hearing – A judge reviews everything and finalizes the adoption.
It might sound simple, but each step has its own hiccups. The home study could raise concerns. A biological parent might push back. Or maybe you are working through an international adoption with another set of laws. That is why it helps to have a lawyer who knows the ropes. We are here to help keep everything on track.
What to Know About the Home Study
The home study is a big part of the process. It is a quick inspection and a full review of your life. A licensed social worker will:
- Visit your home
- Interview you and other people living there
- Check your financial stability
- Review your health history
- Run criminal background checks
It can feel invasive, but it protects the child’s best interests. We help you prepare for the home study so there are no surprises. If anything needs to be addressed, we will help you fix it before it becomes a problem.
What About Parental Rights?
In any adoption, the biological parent’s rights have to be ended before you can move forward. Occasionally, a parent agrees to give up their rights. Other times, they fight it, and a judge has to decide.
It can be an emotional and legally messy part of the process. We handle these cases carefully—gathering the proper evidence, filing what needs to be filed, and standing up for your family in court.
Open vs. Closed Adoptions
Some people want a closed adoption, where there is no contact with the birth parents after placement. Others want to keep some connection. Texas allows both, and there are pros and cons to each.
In an open adoption, you might share updates and letters or have the occasional visit. In a closed one, everything stays sealed. If you are unsure what is best for your family, we will discuss it and help you set up a legally sound plan.
Adoption Legal Fees and Paperwork
Let’s be honest—adoption can get expensive. There are court filing fees, agency fees, home study costs, and attorney fees. We are upfront about pricing, so there are no hidden surprises. Every adoption differs, so that we will give you a breakdown based on your case.
There is also a mountain of paperwork involved. We handle everything, including the adoption petition, affidavits, consents, and finalization documents. Our job is to ensure that nothing is missed so your adoption does not hit unnecessary roadblocks.
Going to Court
You must go to at least one court hearing to finalize the adoption. For some families, it is a special moment. It can be stressful for others—especially if things are contested. Either way, we will be right there with you, making sure you are prepared, the paperwork’s done, and the judge has what they need to move things forward. Court does not have to be intimidating when you have the right support.
Common Adoption Questions
Adoption can initially feel all-consuming, so we have broken down some of the most common questions we hear.
How long does it take to adopt in Texas?
That depends on the type of adoption. Stepparent and relative adoptions can move more quickly—sometimes just a few months. Private or agency adoptions usually take 6–12 months. International adoptions can take a year or more.
Can I adopt if I am single?
Yes, absolutely. Texas does not require you to be married to adopt. Single parents can and do successfully adopt all the time. Courts will look at your stability and ability to care for a child.
What if the birth parents change their minds?
In Texas, birth parents can revoke consent within a certain period—but not always. It depends on when and how the consent was signed. We detail all of that with you so you are not caught off guard.
Is financial help available?
Depending on the type of adoption, grants, subsidies, and even tax credits are sometimes available. Adopting through the foster system usually comes with more financial support.
If you still have questions, we would be happy to answer them. Contact Smith & Bledsoe Family Law to speak with someone on our team.
Why Work with Smith & Bledsoe Family Law?
We know family law because it is all we do. At Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, adoption cases are incredibly close to our hearts. We treat every client like family and approach each adoption with care, honesty, and clear communication.
We are not a stuffy law firm. Our hands-on, approachable style puts our clients at ease. You will always know where things stand and what to expect next. Our West Lake Hills office serves families across Travis County and beyond.
If you want experienced legal help from a team that cares, we are here for you. Schedule a consultation, and let’s talk about your adoption goals.
Let’s Talk About Your Adoption Goals
Adoption is a big step and should be handled with care, experience, and heart. Whether you are just starting to explore your options or ready to file paperwork, the Smith & Bledsoe Family Law team is here to help. Get directions to our law firm and read client reviews on Google.
Let us be the team that walks with you through this process. Call us today to speak with a trusted adoption lawyer in West Lake Hills, TX, or contact us online to get started.