The Woodlands Adoption Lawyer

Adoption Attorney In The Woodlands, TX

The decision to adopt often brings joy and excitement. It is a life-changing process that brings families together and enhances the lives of all involved. Adoptions can be complicated and as a parent-to-be, you want to make sure that every aspect is handled with both precision and care. This is why many adoptive parents hire a lawyer in their area to supervise the process and ensure every step complies with statutes and guidelines.

When a child is adopted, parental rights are transferred to the adoptive parent or parents. There are many steps involved in the adoption process and a family law attorney can help avoid the pitfalls and legal ramifications of an adoption that has been done incorrectly.

To ensure your adoption process goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible, whether it be the adoption of a child or an adult adoption, it is important that you speak with an experienced family law attorney to file the necessary paperwork.

Common Legal Disputes During the Adoption Process

The adoption journey is known to be rewarding for many parents looking to start or extend their families in The Woodlands and surrounding areas. However, it is not without potential legal challenges that can stall the entire process.

Some of the more common legal disputes to be aware of include:

Contested Adoptions by Biological Parents

One of the more emotionally challenging disputes to be aware of during the adoption process occurs when the child’s biological parents contest the adoption. This happens in many different ways, some more common are when the biological parents have either changed their mind about terminating their parental rights or may claim they were originally coerced into the idea. If this happens to you, the court will take the claim seriously to determine if the adoption can advance or further investigation is needed. Prior to completing the adoption process.

Disputes Over Interstate or International Adoptions

The decision to adopt a child from another state or country adds additional layers of legal complexity. In interstate adoptions, all prospective parents must comply with different interstate regulations that control how a child is moved across state lines. Any failure to meet these requirements can delay or may completely invalidate the adoption.

Birth Rights and Paternity Issues

In some adoption cases, the rights of an alleged or undisclosed birth father can bring forth new disputes that must be handled. For example, if the biological mother never informed the biological father about either the existence of the child or the decision to put a child up for adoption, he may learn about the adoption and contest it. If he can successfully claim that his parental rights have been violated, then the adoption process may be reversed.

Open Adoption Agreements

During an open adoption, some level of contact is permitted between the adoptive family and the biological parents. This can also lead to new disputes, especially when one party believes that the terms of the adoption agreement have been violated. While open adoptions are legally binding, it can be more challenging to enforce them. Both the adoptive and the biological parents must communicate clearly and properly document all details of the agreement to avoid misunderstandings.

Adoption Disruptions or Failures

An adoption disruption happens when the process takes a temporary pause before the adoption is finalized. This can occur for many different reasons, for instance, if the child’s placement may have been deemed unsuitable, or the biological parents want to revoke their consent for the process to move forward.

WHY CHOOSE US

When it comes to your family, you want to be the one who is calling the shots. Don’t get stuck leaving the tough decisions up to a judge or a jury. At the Walke-Wilson Firm we believe in the necessity of candor as well as the need for compassion. We are devoted to each of our clients and we will work diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible. Contact us today to begin the process and learn more about how we can help make your next adoption as successful as possible.