If you're an expectant parent in Texas, understanding how long after adoption you can change your mind is crucial to making a decision you feel confident about. Having clear information about your legal rights and the support available to you can bring peace of mind during an emotional time.

Below, we'll walk through Texas' laws about adoption consent and revocation, what happens if you experience second thoughts and how American Adoptions supports expectant parents every step of the way. If you'd like personalized guidance, fill out our form or call 1-800-ADOPTION. We’ll connect you with an adoption specialist who understands what you're going through.

How Long After Adoption Do I Have to Change My Mind in Texas?

In Texas, the adoption revocation period depends on the type of consent document you sign. If you sign an affidavit of relinquishment that doesn't specify a different period, you have 10 days to change your mind. Your consent becomes irrevocable on the 11th day after you sign.

However, the law allows flexibility in how these documents are written. Your affidavit could state that consent is irrevocable immediately upon signing, meaning you cannot change your mind at all. The specific terms will be clearly stated in your relinquishment document.

This is why it's essential to work with an agency like American Adoptions that provides free legal representation. Your attorney will review the documents with you, explain what revocation period applies to your situation and ensure you fully understand your rights before signing anything.

What Signing Adoption Papers in Texas Really Means

Consent is your formal agreement to place your baby for adoption. When you sign adoption consent papers, you're voluntarily ending your parental rights and agreeing that the adoptive family will become your baby's legal parents.

In Texas, you cannot give consent until 48 hours after your baby is born. This ensures you have time to make this decision with full clarity.

Many expectant parents wonder, "Can you get your baby back after adoption?" The answer is yes, but only within a specific timeframe. If your document allows revocation, you can change your mind during that window. However, when consent is final, the adoption cannot be undone.

Revoking Consent: Can You Get Your Baby Back After Adoption in Texas?

What does revocation of adoption consent look like in Texas? It depends on your specific situation. For most cases with a standard 10-day period, you need to file a signed revocation document. You don't need to provide a reason, but you must act before the deadline.

You'll need to work with your attorney to file the necessary paperwork. Once properly filed within the revocation period, the adoption process stops and your parental rights are restored.

After your adoption revocation period expires, revoking consent becomes extremely difficult. You can go to court to revoke consent under circumstances such as fraud, duress or coercion. However, these cases are rare and require legal evidence.

Why You Might Feel Differently After Birth

After childbirth, you experience significant hormonal shifts. Oxytocin and prolactin surge through your system, which can intensify your emotional responses and strengthen your instinct to bond with and protect your baby. But these physical changes don't make your reasons for considering adoption any less real or important.

Many women wonder if they will regret giving their baby up for adoption during this time. If you're experiencing powerful emotions right now, they are valid. Giving yourself space to understand what you're feeling and why.

You may want to sit with these emotions or talk to your counselor. Try asking yourself, “Are these feelings telling me something important about what I truly want? Or will they settle as time passes?” Only you can determine which is true for you.

What Happens if You Regret Your Adoption Decision? Reconnect With Your Original Reasons

If you're experiencing uncertainty, reflect on the reasons you originally chose adoption. Some birth mothers who change their minds later wish they had followed through with adoption. Others know in their hearts that parenting was the right choice. Only you can determine what's true for you. Trust yourself — you know what's best for both you and your baby.

Real Stories From Women Who've Walked This Path

Sometimes the most powerful reassurance comes from hearing the experiences of women who have walked this path before you.

Casey

Casey was a single mother in southeast Florida working two jobs just to make ends meet. She loved her twin boys deeply, but she was barely home, and they spent most of their time with a sitter. When their father left and couldn't return from Mexico due to citizenship issues, Casey knew things had to change. She spent eight months researching adoption, weighing every pro and con, before making the decision when her boys were 2 years old.

Casey carefully selected Kim and Dave, a couple from Virginia who wanted an open adoption. What sealed her decision was watching Dave take her boys down the slide at the park — not just helping them up, but going down with them.

Read more about Casey's adoption story.

Lindsey

At 25, Lindsey was raising her first daughter, Trinity, who had special needs requiring her full attention. When Lindsey became pregnant again while going through a divorce, she initially told herself she'd just have to make it work. But her stepfather suggested adoption. She began to consider what would be best for both of her daughters.

She connected with American Adoptions and her adoption specialist, Shannon, who supported her through every question and fear. After watching Amber and Eric's video profile, Lindsey just knew they were the right family. She scheduled an induction so they could be present for Charlotte's birth. After placement, Amber and Eric sent updates through videos, pictures and phone calls.

“I see how well she’s doing and how happy that family is. It just reaffirms that I made the right decision,” said Lindsey,

Hear more of Lindsey’s adoption story.

What Happens When the Adoption Revocation Period Ends?

Once your revocation period expires, the adoption becomes permanent. The adoptive family gains full legal rights and responsibilities for your child. The adoption typically finalizes within six months after placement when a judge reviews the case and issues a final decree.

At that point, your baby legally becomes the child of the adoptive parents with the same rights and relationship as if the child had been born to them. This permanency provides security and stability for your baby, ensuring they grow up in the family you chose for them.

What Rights Do Birth Mothers Have After Adoption?

Once you sign your consent to adoption, you voluntarily end your parental rights. However, this doesn't mean you disappear from your child's life entirely. With open adoption, you can maintain contact with your baby and their adoptive family through letters, photos, video calls or even in-person visits. This ongoing connection allows you to see your child grow and thrive.

The Role of Counseling in Your Adoption Decision

American Adoptions provides comprehensive counseling to every expectant parent. Before you sign consent, you'll work with a trained counselor who helps you process your feelings, explore your motivations and ensure you're making this choice for the right reasons.

We also offer counseling support after placement. Adoption brings up complex emotions, and having someone to talk to can make a significant difference as you move forward.

Still Weighing Your Options? Here's What You Can Do

Here are some steps you can take if you're still unsure:

• Talk to your adoption specialist. Your adoption specialist is here to listen without judgment and help you work through your concerns. You can call our adoption hotline 24/7 for immediate support.

• Request additional counseling. Even if you've already had counseling sessions, you can always ask for more time to process your feelings.

• Delay signing consent. You can wait as long as you need after your baby's birth before signing consent.

American Adoptions Supports Expectant Parents Through Every Step

At American Adoptions, we understand that choosing adoption is one of the most difficult decisions you'll ever make. We won’t rush your decision or pressure you into signing consent before you're ready. This is your journey, and we're here to walk beside you.

If you're considering adoption and want to learn more about your options in Texas, contact us today for free information. Let's talk about how we can support you in making the choice that feels right for you and your baby.

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