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You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Adoption > Adoption Issues > adopting from friend
Expert: Peter C. Winkler, CSW
Date: 5/19/2008
Subject: adopting from friend
Question
We have a family friend who wants us to adopt her child when it's born. Can the father terminate his rights now. And how difficult is it to do a private adoption in Texas. She has already given 2 children to her mother and knows she has no interest in this baby. I do have an appt with a lawyer, but am not sure we can afford all the legal fees. Is there any easy way. We have been married almost 10 years and are unable to have children...Thanks
Answer
Hi Lisa-
I have done all my adoption work in NYS and so I can't tell you about Texas adoption law or procedures. Keep in mind that lawyers charge varying prices to do the same things. You definitely should use a lawyer who has done adoptions before. Inexperienced lawyers often drag things out and end up costing more than if they operated efficiently. Feel free to "shop around" to find an experienced lawyer who charges reasonable fees.
Most states do not allow a birthparent to sign a relinquishment of parental rights prior to the birth of the child. The court will also require that yoy and your husband go through an adoption home study. Your lawyer can explain it to you, but it usually entails one or more visits with a social worker who writes a report indicating your backgrounds and why you and your husband will be good adoptive parents.
I hope things work out for you.
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