Let Me Help Make Adoption A Positive, Smoother Experience

Expanding a family through an adoption can be extremely rewarding. Yet, the adoption process can be highly technical requiring a detailed focus. Whether you are a grandparent or stepparent looking to adopt a loved one, the best investment you can make is to work with an experienced family law attorney.

I am attorney Kristi Barnhill with extensive experience handling important family law matters. I will apply my years of experience and legal skills to help your family expand through the adoption process. I know the pitfalls to avoid to ensure the adoption process moves forward as smoothly as possible.

Contact my law firm in The Woodlands, Texas, online or call 713-965-7612 to schedule a consultation and learn how I can help guide you through the adoption process.

I Have Experience With Many Types Of Adoptions

I understand the adoption process can be emotionally overwhelming. The last thing you and your family needs is to be left with any surprises. When you select the Law Office of Kristi Barnhill, PLLC, I will work directly with you to ensure the necessary requirements and deadlines are met. I am committed to helping you handle all the details involved with the following types of adoptions:

• Stepparent adoptions: I have a strong background representing stepparent and biological parents in adoption proceedings. If you are a stepparent seeking to adopt your spouse’s child, I can guide you through the legal process to ensure all the details are effectively handled. I am also committed to representing biological parents contesting a stepparent adoption.
• Grandparent adoptions: When parents are unfit or have passed away, I am available to help grandparents formally adopt their grandchildren. I know how to handle the sensitive nature of grandparent adoptions focused on protecting the children’s best interests.
• Private adoptions: I can help you work with an agency or directly with the child’s birth parents.
• Family member and third-party adoptions: If an aunt, uncle or other family member or close friend wishes to adopt a child, you will need experienced guidance through the process. I can explain the steps to you and prepare you for the adoption process.

The adoption process can be highly technical. My top priority is to help avoid any unnecessary complications. I provide experienced legal counsel through every step of the adoption process from drafting initial documentation to finalizing the details. If any conflicts occur during the adoption process, I will act quickly to protect your family’s best interests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Adoptions

As an adoption attorney serving families throughout Montgomery County, I receive many questions about the adoption process. Here are answers to some common concerns based on Texas adoption law and years of experience helping families grow.

What is the difference between an open and closed adoption?

Open adoptions allow ongoing contact between birth parents and adoptive families, including sharing photos, letters or arranging visits. Birth and adoptive parents determine comfort levels and boundaries. Closed adoptions maintain complete confidentiality with no contact or identifying information shared between parties. Semi-open adoptions offer a middle ground, typically allowing limited contact through an intermediary while protecting privacy.

How long does the adoption process take in Texas?

The timeline varies based on adoption type. Stepparent adoptions typically take 3-6 months once the paperwork is filed. Agency and private adoptions usually range from 6-18 months, depending on matching with birth parents and completion of home studies. International adoptions may take 1-3 years due to additional requirements. Factors like termination of parental rights can affect timelines.

Can I adopt if I have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from adopting in Texas. The court examines the nature and timing of offenses, rehabilitation efforts and current circumstances. Minor infractions or distant past convictions may not prevent adoption. However, certain crimes involving children, violence or moral turpitude likely disqualify potential adopters.

Full disclosure during home studies proves essential. The court will also consider factors like employment stability, character references, and evidence of rehabilitation through counseling or community service.

What are the costs associated with adoption in Texas?

Adoption costs vary significantly by type. Private domestic adoptions typically range from $60,000-$65,000, including agency fees, legal services and birth mother expenses. Stepparent adoptions generally cost $3,000-$7,000, covering legal fees and court costs.

Relative adoptions range from $4,000-$8,000. Foster-to-adopt programs have minimal costs, with most expenses covered by the state. International adoptions can range from $30,000-$50,000, including agency fees, travel and immigration processing.

Contact A Skilled Montgomery County Adoption Lawyer

Whether you are interested in adopting your grandchild or stepchild, the best investment you can make is to select an experienced family law attorney. I have a strong background guiding families in similar situations as yours through the adoption process. I am committed to helping your family expand while protecting your loved one’s best interests.

Contact my law firm today to schedule a consultation. My law office is conveniently located near The Woodlands Mall and minutes from the freeway.