A common belief in the adoption world is that a single person can’t adopt a child in Texas. But is this true, or is it merely an unfortunate myth born from the reality that most adoptions involve married couples or people in a committed relationship who either can’t have children of their own or simply wish to expand their existing family dynamic?
The quick answer is yes, a single person absolutely can adopt a child in Texas. Let’s explore this topic more in today’s blog post.
Roughly 140,000 Children Are Adopted By American Families Each Year
An adoption is the formal process of establishing a legal relationship between a child and a parent other than the child’s biological parent. The adoptive person or family is officially recognized as the child’s parents in the eyes of the law and is entrusted with the responsibility of raising the child. Adoptions take place every single day across the country, with currently 1.5 million adopted children in the United States.
Adoption laws constantly change to ensure the best interests of each child. And yes, there was a time when a single person could only become a guardian to a child if they were a relative. But this law was changed in the 1960s. Currently, it is 100% legal in all 50 states — including Texas — for a single person to adopt a child.
According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ basic adoption requirements, the prospective foster/adoptive parents may be single or married and must:
- Be at least 21 years of age, financially stable, and responsible, mature adults,
- Complete an application (staff will assist you if you prefer),
- Share information regarding their background and lifestyle,
- Provide relative and non-relative references,
- Show proof of marriage and/or divorce (if applicable),
- Agree to a home study which includes visits with all household members,
- Allow staff to complete a criminal history background check and an abuse/neglect check on all adults in the household, and
- Attend free training to learn about issues of abused and neglected children.
If you are considering adoption or are in the middle of an adoption dispute, it is wise to consult with a family law attorney experienced in adoption cases. Our team of family law attorneys at Christman | Daniell is dedicated to helping you navigate the exciting but overwhelming nature of the adoption process.
Please call Christman | Daniell for your legal needs today!
Looking for family law services in Collin County, Texas? Christman | Daniell is your premier choice. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the legal landscape, our skilled team is dedicated to helping families navigate complex legal matters. Whether it’s divorce, child custody, or adoption, trust Christman | Daniell to provide compassionate and effective representation for all your family law needs throughout Collin County.
