There are many reasons a couple may consider adopting a child in Texas. Some couples try for years to get pregnant and just can’t. Sometimes fertility treatments work, but sometimes they don’t. Then there are those people who never found the right person and would like to start a family by themselves.
Regardless of the reason for adoption, a big heart is usually behind wanting to be a parent. There are many things to consider before adoption but one key issue that impacts all adoptive families is the cost of adoption in Texas.
Requirements for Adopting a Child in Texas
How hard is it to adopt a child in Texas? There are some basic requirements that must be met.
First, you need to be at least 21 years of age. You must fill out paperwork for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) who will contact your friends and family members to talk with them about your character and whether you would be suitable as a parent. You must also exhibit a steady income that shows you are able to provide for a child.
Home Study in Texas
The DFPS will interview you and your spouse and anyone else who shares your household, including children, step-children, grandparents, or others. The DFPS will also observe you in your home, and will conduct a thorough criminal background check. Your home will be viewed and inspected and DFPS will ensure that the information you provided them with is correct.
Attend DFPS Training
Learning how to adopt a child in Texas starts with the DFPS. Prior to adopting, you will attend training sessions that are put on by DFPS. In these trainings they teach about neglect and abuse that some children face. These sessions can help adoptive parents to determine which route for adoption is best for them.
The sessions are clear and answer questions like – what are the requirements to adopt a child in Texas? These sessions can be eye opening for many would-be parents, and some decide to forego the adoption process until a later date while others are ready to jump right in.
Cost of Adoption in Texas
The cost of adoption in Texas is often one of the first things people take into consideration. Adoption fees in Texas are roughly the same as the rest of the country.
The cost to adopt a child in Texas of can be anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 on average. These numbers can vary greatly based on which adoption agency is used, whether the child is a U.S. citizen or comes from another country, whether you’re adopting a foster child, and many other factors. Adopting a baby in Texas will oftentimes cost more than adopting an older child. In many cases, using the services of a Houston adoption attorney is less expensive than that of an adoption agency.
How much are adoption fees in Texas? The costs depend on many variables. For example, the cost of stepparent adoption in Texas is much lower than someone who must travel to another country to meet their new child.
Child adoption in Texas is also determined by the country the child is coming from. So, when asking – how much does adoption cost in Texas? – there is no easy answer. Depending on your circumstances and how much money you have available, you can determine how much adoptions cost in Texas.
Are you looking to give a foster child a permanent home, or are you wanting a baby from outside of the country? When your heart and mind decide what is right for you, the Houston family law attorneys at the Moffett Law Firm are here to help. We understand the desire to expand your family and one of our experienced lawyers is here to help you through the process.
Contact Moffett Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.
