An Attorney Who Understands the Adoption Process
San Antonio, Texas Stepparent and Grandparent Adoption Lawyer
Whatever your reason for wanting to adopt a child, it is important to know that the best interest of the child will be the court's highest priority. An experienced attorney will understand that the adoption process can be highly emotional for all parties involved.
Law Offices of Ralph E. Williamson
Wherever you are, whatever your situation
Whether a stepparent or grandparent adoption, the overall process can be long and complicated, including waiting periods, legal paperwork and/or adoption hearings. Ralph E. Williamson will clearly explain and guide you through the entire adoption process. Our familiarity with this area of practice allows us to stay current with ever changing rules and regulations, helping you avoid complications that may arise. If you have questions concerning the adoption process, then contact our offices today for a consultation.
Common Problems Associated With Adoptions
Once the adoption process is complete, the adopting parents will become the new legal guardians of the child. To get to this stage, the birth parents have to agree to consent or the termination of their parental rights. If the biological parents refuse to terminate their parental rights, then the adoption process cannot move forward unless one of the following applies:
- Parent has been incarcerated during the three months prior to the petition
- A parent dies or is determined legally incompetent
- The child has been a victim of domestic violence or neglect
- The child has been determined a delinquent in need of supervision
- The child's parents are divorced, separated for more than three months, or in the process of divorce
- The child has lived with the grandparent for at least six months of the 24 month period preceding filing a petition
- Proof of abandonment, unfitness or failure to support the child
Differences Between Step-parent and Grandparent Adoptions
Stepparent adoption is a legal means that allows family members, including spouses or other members of an extended family, to assume legal and financial responsibility of a child. The stepparent adoption process requires termination of parental rights from either the birth mother or father, where as grandparent adoption requires termination of parental rights from both biological parents.
Serving clients in the greater San Antonio area, our family law firm also represents officers and enlisted personnel at Randolph Air Force Base, Lackland Air Force Base, Brook Army Medical Center, and military installations around the world.
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Law Offices of Ralph E. Williamson
