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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.

"We had such a long road, and we were so used to getting bad news, that we were gearing ourselves for that. But allow yourself to have some hope, because sometimes these opportunities can be just as fast and work out absolutely amazing."

- Adoptive Parent Mike,
 Read More of Mike and Misty's Story

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:

  • Adoption Planning Questionnaire: This form helps define the adoption situations you're open to.

  • Adoption Home Study: This evaluation includes background checks, document collection, home safety inspections and interviews to ensure you're ready to adopt.

  • 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:

  • Be between 25 to 50 years old

  • Be married for at least two years

  • 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:

  • A licensed adoption professional

    Unlike unlicensed organizations that may overpromise and under deliver, American Adoptions is independently reviewed, follows all state laws and upholds the highest standards of practice.

  • Honest wait times

    American Adoptions utilizes a wide-reaching marketing strategy to connect adoptive families with prospective birth mothers nationwide, reducing wait times. 

  • Financial protection

    In the event of an adoption disruption, the money you put into your adoption will be refunded back to you to use how you deem fit, rather than rolled over into future adoption journeys.

Understanding Adoption Costs in Texas

Wondering how much it costs to adopt a baby? Typical adoption costs include:

  • Agency and case management fees

  • Medical expenses for the expectant mother and child

  • Expectant parent living expenses (learn more)

  • Legal and court costs

  • 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:

  • Adoption grants

  • Low-interest loans

  • Fundraising options

  • 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.

Because American Adoptions invests heavily in nationwide advertising, your profile reaches more prospective birth parents, leading to significantly shorter wait times than low-marketing agencies.

Unlicensed adoption professionals aren’t monitored by any governing body and can mislead families about wait times and costs. American Adoptions is fully licensed, which means you receive transparent service.

Local adoption opportunities fluctuate, but national agencies have broader reach and data to provide more accurate and consistent wait time estimates. 

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • Virginia L. Frank PLC (Boulder, CO): Virginia Frank protects her clients’ interests and helps them make informed choices every step of the way.

  • Melissa B. Brisman, Esq. LLC (Montvale, NJ and New York, NY): Melissa Brisman is an internationally renowned attorney who handles adoptions and reproductive arrangements.

  • Law Office of Christina Molitor, Esq. (San Antonio): Christina Molitor, licensed since 1995, provides legal services for adoption, surrogacy and family law matters.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Gaydos Duffer PC (Arlington): Lauren Gaydos Duffer is a seasoned family law attorney.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Jenny L. Womack PC (Dallas): Jenny Womack has dedicated her career to helping families grow through adoption, surrogacy and assisted reproduction.

  • Calabrese Budner LLP (Dallas): Carla Calabrese has more than 35 years of experience helping clients protect what matters most.

  • 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.

Private DomesticFoster CareInternational
Permanent placementReunification if possiblePlacement of a child from another country
Newborn0-18 years oldVaries
average of 12 monthsUp to 5 years1-5 years
Agency-assistedState-runInternational laws; agency-assisted

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

2610 Gilmer Ave.

Abilene, TX 79606

Amarillo

19401 Saddlehorn Road

Amarillo, TX 79119

Arlington

1301 S. Bowen Road, Suite 102

Arlington, TX 76013

Austin

900 Cavalier Lane

Austin, TX 78757

Brownsville

745 E. St. Charles St., Suite 10

Brownsville, TX 78520

Burleson

295 E. Renfro St., Suite 300

Burleson, TX 76028

Corpus Christi

3765 S. Alameda, Suite 427

Corpus Christi, TX 78411

Cypress

14150 Huffmeister Road, Suite 200

Cypress, TX 77429

Deer Park

2409 Maxwell Lane, Suite 3

Deer Park, TX 77536

Denton

414 W. Parkway St., Suite 104

Denton, TX 76201

El Paso

500 W. Overland Ave., Suite 250-L3

El Paso, TX 79901

Fort Worth

1751 River Run, Suite 200

Fort Worth, TX 76107

Fort Worth

702 Houston St., Suite 109

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

440 Louisiana St., Suite 900

Houston, TX 77002

Irving

320 Decker Drive, Suite 254

Irving, TX 75062

League City

2600 South Shore Blvd., Suite 300

League City, TX 77573

Lubbock

3223 S. Loop 289, Suite 600

Lubbock, TX 79423

Plano

101 E. Park Blvd., Suite 600

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

100 N. Travis St., Suite 204

Sherman, TX 75090

Southlake

700 N. Carroll Ave., Suite 160

Southlake, TX 76092

Tyler

120 W. 5th St., Suite 201

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.

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