Adoption Lawyers in San Antonio

Helping Clients Complete this Complex Legal Process

If you are currently thinking about adopting a child or becoming a legal guardian of a child, there are many factors to consider. Whether you have already begun the process or are simply curious about your options, speaking with our experienced San Antonio adoption lawyers is in your best interest. At Calfas Law Group, PLLC, we can work with you to determine what the right course of action is for you and your family.

Call our firm at (210) 405-8315 to speak with one our knowledgeable attorney.

Welcoming a New Child to Your Family

Deciding to add to your family by way of adoption can be an exciting decision, especially while you consider the avenues available to you. Having strong legal representation and counsel on your side can make an incredible difference in the process, which can be extremely complex and unforgiving. Our job is to help you get through the paperwork, ensure you understand the law, present all your options, and help navigate any issues that may arise.

Our firm represents all types of cases, including:

• International adoption
• Stepparent adoptions
• Agency adoptions
• Guardianships

Open Vs. Closed Adoptions

At one point in Texas, almost all adoptions were closed, which meant that the identities of an adopted child’s birth parents were hidden, sealed, and anonymous. The only time a person could access these files is once they turned eighteen. Once they were a legal adult, the person would have the option of volunteering to sign up for the Texas Vital Statistics Unit's Voluntary Central Adoption. Under this group, the adult who was adopted could try to find their birth parents, siblings, or any other member of the biological family, provided they were also registered.

Nowadays, far more adoptions are open, meaning that the biological mother of a child has the option to maintain contact with her child through several different methods of varying involvement. In some cases, adoptive parents can continue a relationship with the biological mother, though this can sometimes raise concerns that the birth mother’s relationship with the child could later affect the child’s relationship with the adoptive family.

Requirements for Adoption in Texas

If you are seeking the opportunity to adopt a child in Texas, it is important to make sure you fulfill all the requirements because every state has its own distinct list of guidelines.

Texas’ requirements dictate that all potential adoptive parents must be:

• In the process of completing an adoption application
• Over the age of 21
• Financially stable and able to care for themselves and the child
• Mature and responsible in character
• In possession of a healthy lifestyle
• Able to provide reliable, trustworthy references
• Able to offer proof of marriage, or a divorce, if necessary
• In possession of a completed, approved home study
• Willing to give both child abuse checks and criminal background checks on all adults who are living in the household

San Antonio Guardianship Attorneys

When a loved one is no longer able to take care of their child or themselves, it may be necessary to step in and file for legal guardianship. Guardianships are enacted to provide help for persons who are incapacitated or minors who do not have proper care.

A guardian is required to attend to the financial, medical, and personal affairs of a person to ensure their welfare is intact. Guardianship can only be named by the court and as such, it is important to work with guardianship attorneys who can help you prepare your case.

For your case evaluation with our San Antonio adoption lawyers, reach out to us today by filling out our online form or calling us directly at (210) 405-8315.