Helping You Start a New Family
With the high rate of divorce and remarriage in the U.S., stepparent adoptions are becoming quite common. To make sure the adoption process goes smoothly, it is a good idea to work with a knowledgeable family law lawyer.
Mary Ann Beaty has 35 years of experience as a family law attorney. She can help you and your family through each step of an adoption. To discuss your legal needs with a Dallas stepparent adoptions attorney, please call 214-350-5530 or contact us online.
Relinquishment or Termination of Parental Rights
Stepparent adoptions often occur in the context of a blended family. When a stepparent wishes to establish legal rights to a child, we can draft a voluntary relinquishment of parental rights for the estranged biological parent to sign. That parent's rights must be terminated before the adoption can move forward. Both the termination of the biological parent's rights and the granting of the stepparent's request for adoption must be in the best interest of the child.
If the biological parent is alive but will not sign the voluntary agreement, you can file a suit for termination of his or her parental rights. Reasons you wish to terminate parental rights may include a biological parent who is:
- Not involved in the child's life
- In jail or prison
- Addicted to alcohol or drugs
- Violent
You must try to notify the parent of your intent to terminate his or her parental rights. If you receive no response, a court order can be issued for termination of parental rights.
Once the rights of the estranged parent are terminated, the adoption can proceed. Please call our office at 214-350-5530 to schedule an appointment with a Fort Worth family law attorney today.
