How to Adopt a Baby in Texas [Complete Guide]
If you want to adopt a baby in Texas, you likely have plenty of questions.
No matter where you are in your adoption journey, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first. Maybe you're just beginning to explore your options, or maybe you've dreamed about this moment for years. Either way, we're here to help you move forward with confidence.
In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to adopt a baby in Texas, how much it costs and why working with the right agency matters. If you're ready to move forward with your journey, you can fill out our form for free information.
How to Adopt a Baby in Texas: 5 Steps to Parenthood
American Adoptions has helped over 13,000 families become parents through adoption.
Here’s a closer look at the steps you’ll take during your adoption journey:
Step 1. Contact an Adoption Agency
Your adoption journey starts with choosing the right professional. A fully licensed, full-service agency like American Adoptions offers the legal expertise, emotional support and marketing capabilities you need for a smooth experience.
Ready to get started? Fill out our form today.
Step 2. Become an Active Family
Once you choose your agency, you'll complete three important tasks:
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Adoption Planning Questionnaire: This form helps define the adoption situations you're open to.
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Adoption Home Study: This evaluation includes background checks, document collection, home safety inspections and interviews to ensure you're ready to adopt.
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Adoptive Family Profile: Your profile will showcase your story to expectant mothers considering adoption.
Step 3. Be Chosen by a Prospective Birth Mother
In private adoption, the expectant parent chooses the adoptive family. Depending on her preferences, you may begin building a relationship through phone calls, video chats or in-person meetings. In open and semi-open adoptions, this contact continues after placement.
Step 4. Meet Your Baby
As the due date approaches, you'll receive updates and guidance about the expectant mother's hospital plan. You may be invited to be there for the birth or meet your child shortly afterward. We will make sure you're prepared for the next step.
Step 5. Finalize the Adoption
Finalization is the legal process that permanently establishes you as your child’s parent. This step typically takes place several months after placement and follows a series of required post-placement visits.
Who Can Adopt a Baby in Texas?
To ensure successful placements, we establish a few requirements for hopeful parents. To work with us, you must:
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Be between 25 to 50 years old
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Be married for at least two years
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Have no more than two existing children at home
Learn more about Texas' adoption requirements.
How American Adoptions Supports You
Choosing the right agency is one of the most important steps in your adoption journey. Here's why so many families trust American Adoptions:
Understanding Adoption Costs in Texas
Wondering how much it costs to adopt a baby? Typical adoption costs include:
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Agency and case management fees
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Medical expenses for the expectant mother and child
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Expectant parent living expenses (learn more)
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Legal and court costs
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Advertising and outreach
American Adoptions aims to be as transparent as possible. We provide a detailed cost estimate upfront to help you plan your budget confidently. Plus, our Risk-Sharing Program refunds your post-activation funds if an adoption opportunity doesn't work out.
Worried About Affording Adoption? You Have Options
Many families wonder, "How can I afford adoption?" We’ll help you create a customized financial plan and explore resources like:
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Adoption grants
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Low-interest loans
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Fundraising options
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The federal adoption tax credit
Our specialists are here to help you find the right adoption financing options.
How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Baby in Texas?
Every adoption journey is unique. Our nationwide marketing efforts mean your family profile will be seen by more expectant mothers, helping to reduce your wait time. Right now, our families wait average of 12 months.
Why It’s So Important to Complete Your Home Study Early
Your adoption home study is a major milestone. It ensures your home is safe and that you're ready to become an adoptive parent. Completing this step early opens the door to adoption opportunities.
Because American Adoptions is licensed in Texas, we can provide home study services directly, helping you avoid delays or complications. You won't need to work with multiple professionals during your adoption journey.
When Is Adoption Finalized in Texas?
Finalization can happen five months after placement. The judge will review the case to ensure everything was completed correctly and then grant the final decree of adoption.
Learn more about the finalization process in Texas.
Other Adoption Laws in Texas
There are several important laws in Texas that may affect your adoption journey. Understanding these legal requirements can help ensure a smooth experience.
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Home Study Requirements: Unlike many states, Texas mandates that all household members — including children as young as four and even some non-resident relatives — be interviewed. Evaluators themselves must be licensed in Texas and complete family violence training. The state also has firm timelines, requiring home study updates if placement doesn’t occur within six months.
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Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA): The ICWA is a federal law that protects the rights of Native American children, families and tribes in adoption cases. It ensures that tribes are notified and involved in the adoption process when applicable.
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Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC): If you’re adopting a child from another state, ICPC regulations will apply. This compact ensures that both sending and receiving states approve the adoption before the child is placed across state lines.
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Post-Adoption Contact Agreement: While ongoing contact between adoptive families and birth parents is beneficial these agreements are not legally enforceable in Texas.
Learn more about Texas' adoption laws.
Adoption Attorneys Near Me
An adoption attorney ensures all legal steps are completed properly. These attorneys are part of our trusted network. They are all licensed to practice in Texas and are members of the American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Attorneys (AAAA).
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The Surrogacy Law Center APLC (Carlsbad, CA): Stephanie Caballero is the founder of her firm. She’s dedicated to helping her clients start their families.
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Virginia L. Frank PLC (Boulder, CO): Virginia Frank protects her clients’ interests and helps them make informed choices every step of the way.
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Melissa B. Brisman, Esq. LLC (Montvale, NJ and New York, NY): Melissa Brisman is an internationally renowned attorney who handles adoptions and reproductive arrangements.
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Law Office of Christina Molitor, Esq. (San Antonio): Christina Molitor, licensed since 1995, provides legal services for adoption, surrogacy and family law matters.
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Chiles & Warren Law Group PLLC (Dallas): Amanda Warren has helped build families through adoption and assisted reproduction since 2005, successfully finalizing over 1,000 adoptions in Texas.
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CHA Law Group PC (Austin): Christine Henry Andresen helps clients navigate the legal side of family-making through adoption, assisted reproduction, surrogacy and LGBTQ+ family law.
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Gaydos Duffer PC (Arlington): Lauren Gaydos Duffer is a seasoned family law attorney.
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Brown Pruitt Wambsganss Dean Forman & Moore PC (Fort Worth): Eric Freeby is a dedicated attorney whose practice focuses almost entirely on helping families grow through all types of adoption.
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The Royalls (Houston): Melody Brooks Royall is a passionate advocate for growing families, drawing from both professional experience and her own personal journey through infertility and parenthood.
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Jenny L. Womack PC (Dallas): Jenny Womack has dedicated her career to helping families grow through adoption, surrogacy and assisted reproduction.
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Calabrese Budner LLP (Dallas): Carla Calabrese has more than 35 years of experience helping clients protect what matters most.
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Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht (San Antonio): Harold Zuflacht is a seasoned family law attorney with over three decades of experience handling complex family matters, including adoption.
Different Types of Adoption in Texas and How They Compare to Private Adoption
There are several types of adoption to choose from, including private domestic adoption, foster care adoption and international adoption. Each has its own goals, timelines and requirements.
FAQ About Adopting a Baby in Texas
Can birth mothers change their mind in Texas?
Yes. In Texas, a birth parent can revoke their consent to adoption at any time before the court issues a final adoption order. However, if the birth parent has signed an affidavit of relinquishment of parental rights that does not explicitly state it is irrevocable for a certain period, they have only until the 11th day after signing to revoke it.
Is there an adoption tax credit in Texas?
No. Texas does not offer a state-specific tax credit, but families can claim the federal adoption tax credit.
Is it hard for a gay couple to adopt a baby?
No. American Adoptions proudly supports LGBTQ+ families.
Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in Texas?
Yes. After finalization, the adoptive parents' names are listed on the amended birth certificate. Processing takes about 25 to 30 days.
Are open adoptions legally enforceable in Texas?
No. However, we encourage hopeful parents to keep in contact through photo and letter updates and at least one visit.
Don’t Wait Any Longer — Adopt a Baby in Texas Today
Adoption can be the most meaningful journey of your life, and you don't have to walk it alone. American Adoptions is here to guide you from your first call to finalization.
Our Offices in Texas
We proudly serve families statewide from multiple office locations:
Abilene
Abilene, TX 79606
Amarillo
Amarillo, TX 79119
Arlington
Arlington, TX 76013
Austin
Austin, TX 78757
Brownsville
745 E. St. Charles St., Suite 10
Brownsville, TX 78520
Burleson
Burleson, TX 76028
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Cypress
14150 Huffmeister Road, Suite 200
Cypress, TX 77429
Deer Park
Deer Park, TX 77536
Denton
Denton, TX 76201
El Paso
500 W. Overland Ave., Suite 250-L3
El Paso, TX 79901
Fort Worth
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Fort Worth
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Fort Worth
4500 Mercantile Plaza, Suite 300
Fort Worth, TX 76137
Garland
13509 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway, Suite 200
Garland, TX 75041
Houston
Houston, TX 77002
Irving
Irving, TX 75062
League City
2600 South Shore Blvd., Suite 300
League City, TX 77573
Lubbock
Lubbock, TX 79423
Plano
Plano, TX 75074
Richardson
2435 North Central Expressway, 12th Floor, Suite 1204
Richardson, TX 75080
San Antonio
700 N. St. Mary's St., Suite 1400
San Antonio, TX 78205
Sherman
Sherman, TX 75090
Southlake
700 N. Carroll Ave., Suite 160
Southlake, TX 76092
Tyler
Tyler, TX 75701
Contact us today to get started.
Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.