Surrogacy can be a beautiful way to have a baby when circumstances prevent a couple or individual from conceiving a child on their own. However, laws regarding surrogacy do vary widely from state to state, so it’s important to understand the surrogacy laws in the state where you hope to have a child. If that...Read More
In order to finalize the adoption of a child in Texas, the adoptive parent (or parents) need to terminate the rights of the child’s living biological parents (or other persons named legally responsible for a child, like a managing conservator or guardian). The only exceptions include adult adoptions and stepparent adoptions, where the stepparent’s spouse...Read More
When considering adoption, a top concern for many prospective parents is: How much is adoption going to cost? The average cost of adoption varies considerably based on the type of adoption you choose to pursue. Adopting a child you have fostered through the child welfare system is generally the least inexpensive, while international adoptions and...Read More
If you’re like many hopeful parents, you may be unfamiliar with how assisted reproduction methods work, what types of assisted reproductive technology exist, and what legal protections the state of Texas allows and when. To help you sort through the confusion, this blog will answer some frequently asked questions about assisted reproduction and related topics....Read More
Using a surrogate mother to have a baby has become increasingly more common over the past couple of decades. Understanding the rights of surrogate mother, intended parents and donors is critical for anyone contemplating surrogacy. A surrogate mothers rights and when can a surrogate mother keep the baby will vary depending on several factors. Considerations...Read More
Having a baby is a life-changing experience but getting pregnant the natural way isn’t a viable option for every couple. Some couples struggle with infertility issues, and while the emotional turmoil of pregnancy can be so overwhelming for some women, it could put the health of the mother and baby at risk. Fortunately, surrogacy and...Read More
Our Texas law firm receives a variety of questions about biological parents rights after adoption. Adoptive parents may wonder, “What happens when birth parents want their child back?” A birth mother who relinquished her parental rights may ask, “Can birth mother reclaim adopted child?” Our child custody lawyers also get questions from same-sex couples about...Read More
When I started practicing family law in 2006, LGBT couples faced more challenges with same sex couple adoption than they do today. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision recognizing same-sex marriage (Obergefell v. Hodges), society in general has become more supportive of gay adoption. I also find that many birth mothers choose same-sex couples...Read More
According to recent census figures in the United States, there are more than 2 million adopted children in households in the country. With an increase in awareness about adoption, more and more mothers are considering it as a viable option when they feel they may be able to unable to care for their child either physically, emotionally,...Read More
