Ready to Make It Official?
You’ve made the decision to adopt. Now it’s time to take care of the legal process. We help families navigate the paperwork, legal requirements, and court proceedings involved in adoption.
Your Family Is Ready. We’re Here for the Legal Process.
Every adoption has its own legal requirements. We help you understand which steps apply to your family’s circumstances.
Stepparent Adoption
You’ve already built a family together. We help you address the legal requirements for making that parent-child relationship official.
Relative & Kinship Adoption
When you’re raising a grandchild or another relative, we help you understand the court process, existing orders, and parental rights issues that may apply.
Private Adoption
We help families navigate the legal documentation, requirements, and court procedures involved in private adoption.
Adult Adoption
Some family relationships have existed for years. We help you pursue legal recognition of that relationship through adult adoption.
We Handle the Legal Details. You Focus on Your Family.
Adoption involves important legal steps. We help you understand and address the requirements that apply to your circumstances.
- Reviewing existing legal documents and orders
- Identifying parental consent and rights requirements
- Preparing and filing adoption petitions
- Addressing applicable court requirements
- Preparing you for adoption hearings
- Guiding you toward a final adoption order
We’ll explain what is required and help you understand each step along the way.
Clear Legal Guidance for Your Family’s Next Chapter.
When you’re ready to move forward with adoption, having a legal team to guide you can help you understand the requirements and prepare for the process ahead.
At De Ford Law Firm, we believe families deserve clear communication, thoughtful guidance, and a legal process they can understand.
We’ll take the time to understand your circumstances and explain how we can help.
Teresa De Ford
Founder, De Ford Law Firm
What Happens After You Contact Us?
We want you to know what comes next. Here’s how the process generally begins.
Tell Us About Your Adoption
During your free case evaluation, we’ll learn about your situation and discuss the next steps.
Review the Requirements
We’ll identify the documents, consent issues, and legal procedures that may apply.
Begin the Legal Process
Once retained, we’ll prepare applicable legal filings and guide you through the process.
Prepare for Finalization
We’ll help you prepare for the court process and work toward completing the adoption.
Adoption Questions We Hear Often
What documents should I have ready?
Existing custody orders, birth certificates, and relevant court documents can help us understand your situation. Requirements vary depending on the adoption.
What if the other biological parent is not involved?
An absent parent does not automatically lose parental rights. We can review your circumstances and explain what legal steps may be necessary.
Will we have to go to court?
Texas adoptions generally require court approval. The specific hearing and procedural requirements depend on your type of adoption.
How much does adoption cost?
Legal fees depend on the work involved. During your case evaluation, we can explain the next steps for obtaining a fee estimate.
How long does adoption take?
Timelines vary depending on the adoption type, required legal steps, consent issues, and court scheduling.
You’ve Made the Decision. Let Us Help With the Legal Process.
De Ford Law Firm helps families navigate adoption matters in The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Magnolia, and surrounding communities.