How Much Does Adoption Cost In Texas?

Types Of Child Adoption In Texas

The cost of adoption depends largely on what kind of adoption you desire.

CPS Adoption

The primary cost of adopting through the foster system will be legal expenses. However, you should also expect to spend approximately $150 per family member to obtain various training, testing, and FBI fingerprinting. Additionally, CPS will cover up to $1,200 of your legal expenses when you adopt a “special needs” child through the foster care system! They will also provide continued financial assistance after the adoption, and a tuition waiver letter for Texas state college tuition. Qualifications for a “special needs” child are determined by CPS. The Perrone Law Firm is contracted to bill CPS directly, so you can adopt a “special needs” child with no out-of-pocket legal expenses! We charge $1,000-$1,500 in legal expenses to complete CPS adoptions for children who do not qualify as “special needs.”

Private Adoption/Step-Parent Adoption

The costs of private adoptions vary widely based on individual agency costs and matched adoption costs. The Perrone Law firm handles legal services for private adoptions, including matched adoptions that do not involve placement agencies. Legal expenses vary depending on the requirements for termination of parental rights, but they routinely range between $1,000 and $5,000. The only cost for step-parent adoptions, kinship adoptions, and private adoptions that do not involve agencies should be legal expenses. The cost of a private/independent adoption through a placement agency varies widely between agencies.

What Are The Requirements For Adopting A Child In Texas?

Adopting a child in Texas involves a multitude of legal requirements. To begin, potential adoptive parents need to be at least 21 years old, indicating a level of maturity. They should also demonstrate financial stability, ensuring that they can provide for the child’s needs, and exhibit responsibility, proving they can make sound decisions.

As part of the assessment process, individuals or couples must submit to a comprehensive criminal background check. This critical step serves to protect the welfare of the child by ensuring they are placed in a safe and secure environment.

Further, the home study process is also required. It includes in-depth interviews, visits to your home, and parental training. This procedure ensures that the child will be placed in a loving and nurturing environment conducive to their growth and development.

You will also need to disclose detailed information about your lifestyle, personal background, health, and employment. This transparency helps adoption agencies match children with the most suitable families. Additionally, providing references from non-relatives aids in painting a more holistic picture of your capacity as a prospective parent.

The entire process may seem daunting, but with a seasoned Child Adoption Lawyer like us at The Perrone Law Firm, PLLC, we can guide you through these requirements, breaking them down into manageable steps and ensuring a smooth and successful adoption process.

What Can One Expect During The Adoption Process In Texas?

In Texas, the adoption journey begins with an extensive application process, designed to ensure the best interests of the child. It includes rigorous home visits, thorough background checks, and parental training sessions. These steps aim to gauge the readiness of the prospective parents and the suitability of their home environment for a child.

Following the application’s approval, a waiting period may ensue. The duration of this period can vary based on numerous factors such as the age and specific needs of the child. Adoption agencies and state authorities work tirelessly to ensure the best possible match for each child, which sometimes requires time.

Once a child is placed with you, there’s a supervisory period of usually six months before the adoption is legally finalized. This period allows for the child and parents to adjust to their new life together. It also serves as an opportunity for social workers or adoption agency representatives to assess the situation and provide any necessary support or intervention.

The process of adoption can be complex and emotionally taxing. However, with the guidance of a skilled Child Adoption Lawyer, prospective parents can navigate the adoption journey with greater confidence and clarity. Our role is not only to provide legal advice but also to support and guide you at every stage of the process, helping to turn your dream of parenity into reality.

Legal Expenses

The expenses below are approximations meant to assist you in financial planning.

• Legal Fees, including the preparation of legal documents, court appearances, etc.
  • Preparation and filing of adoption petitions $1,500
  • Preparation and filing of termination law suits $2,000
  • Adoption & Termination (in combined suit) $2,500
• Court-ordered filing fees (varies per county) $350
• Home Study (private adoption only) $700 – $1,500
• Criminal History Search/FBI Fingerprinting (for each person in home over 14) $40 each
• Attorney ad Litem for the child to be adopted (private adoption only; varies per attorney and county) $250 – $1,000. Not required in CPS Adoptions.
• Obtaining a new Birth Certificate after adoption (varies per state) $70

More Information:

• Using A Parental Facilitator In A Texas Divorce
• What Types of Adoptions Are There In Texas?
• What Are The Criteria For Potential Adopting Parents That Must Be Met In Hunt, Fannin, and Rockwall Counties?

There are many options available to obtain financing for adoption-related expenses. You may explore the various options here.

For more information on Adoption Cost In Texas an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (903) 964-1122 today.