Adoption is a life-changing experience for the child, the adoptive parents, and the birth parents. A question that the parties involved in an adoption often have is whether the birth parents will retain any rights to the child once the adoption is complete. Whether you’re considering adopting a child or giving your birth child up for adoption, it’s important that you have a solid grasp on this issue. Below is an overview of the rights of birth parents after adoption in Texas. For additional information, please contact a Denton County family law attorney.
Closed and Open Adoption
The rights available to birth parents after adoption primarily depend on whether the adoption is a closed or open adoption. Open adoption is a type of adoption in which the birth parents maintain contact with the child and adoptive parents following the child’s birth. In most cases of open adoption, the birth parents meet with potential adoptive parents prior to the child’s birth. When the birth parents find a compatible couple, both parties enter into a written agreement that allows for visitation and regular updates on the child.
By contrast, in a closed adoption, all birth and adoption records are sealed, and the birth parents don’t maintain a relationship with the child after the adoption is finalized. However, in Texas, when an adoptee reaches the age of 18, he or she can place his or her name on an adoption registry, which permits adult adoptees, birth parents, or siblings to connect with other registered family members.
Termination of Parental Rights
As noted above, unless an adoption is open, the birth parents have few or no rights once the adoption is finalized. In a closed adoption, the court terminates the birth parents’ parental rights once the adoption is complete. After the court terminates the birth parents’ parental rights, their rights and responsibilities regarding the child end. This means that the birth parents no longer have any obligation to provide for the child. However, following the termination of parental rights, the birth parents also lose the right to physical custody of the child and can no longer make legal decisions for the child. The adoption places these rights in the hands of the adoptive parents. Regardless of whether you need assistance with a closed or open adoption in Texas, it is imperative that you consult with a Denton County family law attorney before beginning the process.
Contact our Denton County Family Law Attorney
At Youngberg Law Firm, we understand the difficulties associated with family law matters. Issues like adoption, custody, and domestic violence are some of the most emotional ones that a couple or individual can endure. However, we also understand that those who are confronted by these types of issues require compassionate and knowledgeable legal counsel. Therefore, if you are facing a family law issue in Texas, please contact our experienced Denton County family law attorney for a consultation.