What Are The Barriers to Adoption in Texas?

 Posted on November 14, 2024 in Family Law

Adopting a child is one of the most noble things a parent can do. However, there are rules and regulations in place in Texas with children’s safety in mind, making sure that a potential parent is the best fit. Before you look into adoption, it is important to know what barriers may stand in your way, and how you might address them if at all possible. A knowledgeable Bexar County, TX family law attorney can help you overcome obstacles in the adoption system, and advocate for you in court.

Age

In Texas, you must be at least 21 years old to adopt a child. This applies when parents want to adopt as well as when there is a request to adopt within a family, for example, when an older sibling wants to adopt a younger one. Unfortunately, there is no way around this regulation but to wait.

Health Conditions

When determining your fitness to be a parent, adoption agencies will take a thorough look at your medical history, including physical and mental conditions. The mere presence of a health condition will not disqualify you; the agency will only make a judgment against you if your health would inhibit your ability to provide for the child’s needs. 

If you live with a treatable condition and demonstrate that you are stable and regularly functional, the court is more likely to rule in your favor. A family law attorney can represent you before a judge, making sure that your health and fitness are fairly portrayed.

Criminal Record

The presence of a criminal record can severely impugn your image before an adoption agency. Before adopting, you may want to consider getting an expungement if you are eligible so that a prior history is not held against you. 

This is not to say that a criminal record will automatically disqualify you from adoption. Nonviolent convictions that took place a long time ago, like possession of marijuana or DWI, may be overlooked if you demonstrate that you would be a fit parent otherwise. However, certain convictions of a violent or sexual nature will permanently bar you from adoption.

Financial Stability

During the adoption process, your ability to provide for a child will be evaluated by a judge. This does not mean you have to be wealthy, but the courts will look at your debts, employment history, and credit when considering your fitness as a parent. A family law attorney can make a case for your financial stability, addressing any difficulties you may have had with money in the past.

Contact a San Antonio, TX Family Law Attorney Today

If you are considering adopting or have an adoption hearing coming up, having a Bexar County, TX family law attorney in your corner can help you stand tall in the courtroom. At Brandon Wong & Associates, our attorneys will do everything in their power to act in a family’s best interests, working towards a stable home life for an adopted child. We bring an ethic of care and compassion to every case. To schedule a confidential consultation, contact us at 210-201-3832.