Houston Stepparent Adoptions

Solidifying a relationship with a stepchild through stepparent adoption is a rewarding experience for the entire family. Not only does adoption give the stepparent the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent, it also cements the special bond that has been created between stepparent and child.

At Carter Morris, LLP, we are proud to assist families in greater Houston and throughout the state of Texas with stepparent adoptions. Our Houston stepparent adoption attorneys have years of experience handling these complex and rewarding cases. We are committed to helping you complete your family through stepparent adoption.

Stepparent Adoption and Termination of Parental Rights in Texas

Stepparent adoption and relative adoption are the most common types of adoption in Texas. Most stepparent adoptions occur when the child’s other biological parent is absent, either due to death or voluntary termination of parental rights. In these types of cases, it is fairly simple for the stepparent to adopt the child. We will help you file the paperwork and prepare for the adoption hearing to ensure the process goes smoothly.

When the biological parent does not voluntarily terminate parental rights, stepparent adoption becomes more complicated. Our lawyers can help you file for termination of the other parent’s parental rights. Grounds for involuntary termination of parental rights include but are not limited to abandonment, placing the child in conditions that endanger the child and failure to support the child.

Generally speaking, the Texas courts are reluctant to terminate parental rights unless there is a stepparent willing to adopt the child.