Adoption in Texas
We can help you with your adoption options in Texas.
Lifetime Adoption is a licensed adoption agency that has offered compassionate Texas adoption services for over 40 years. Our caring coordinators are here to listen and support you, judgment-free, every step of the way. We help both expectant mothers and prospective adoptive families understand the adoption process in Texas from start to finish, so you don’t need to figure it out alone.
Placing a Child for AdoptionAdopting a Child
Adoption in Texas
We can help you with your adoption options in Texas.
Lifetime Adoption is a licensed adoption agency that has offered compassionate Texas adoption services for over 40 years. Our caring coordinators are here to listen and support you, judgment-free, every step of the way. We help both expectant mothers and prospective adoptive families understand the adoption process in Texas from start to finish, so you don’t need to figure it out alone.
Testimonials from Birth Mothers
But I was pleasantly surprised that they actually cared about me too. I would get snail mail like cards and little notes of encouragement from them, my case worker checking in on me often and would offer free counseling through a licensed professional or other birth mothers who were also in my position before.
They treat me like a person and I’m honestly deeply touched by their kindness before, during and after the process. They actually care about birth mothers here.”
How to Place a Baby for Adoption in the State of Texas
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can bring many questions and emotions, and it may seem difficult to know where to turn.
At Lifetime Adoption, an experienced Texas adoption agency, you can talk with a caring, nonjudgmental coordinator who will listen, answer your questions, and help you explore your options without pressure.
We have supported many women considering adoption in Texas and are here to help you understand what choices may be right for you.
Start by calling, texting, or filling out our confidential online form. A coordinator will contact you immediately to talk about your situation privately and judgment-free.
What is the Adoption Process in Texas?
After you speak with a coordinator, you will fill out some paperwork to help her determine what support you need. Next, you can search through Lifetime’s adoptive family profiles and find families that share the values and lifestyle you would like for your baby.
If you are pregnant, you will have a no-cost adoption attorney or social worker. Your adoption coordinator will work with you to create a hospital plan. This plan will include:
- Who you would like in the delivery room
- Who you would like to cut the cord
- Who will hold the baby first
- Whether you’ll breastfeed or not
- And other details
If you are struggling to parent a toddler or older child, adoption can be an option for you as well. In this case, a coordinator will help create a plan. The goal is to make a healthy transition that will work for you, your child, and for the adoptive family.
No matter what your situation, our coordinators will help you through the entire adoption process in Texas confidentially 24/7.
How Do I Find Adoptive Families in Texas?
You deserve to find the perfect adoptive family. Lifetime Adoption lets you search adoptive families from across the country. When you browse our family profiles, you can learn more about their:
- Lifestyle
- Reasons for adopting
- Home and neighborhood
- Values and religious beliefs
- And much more!
Can I Choose Open Adoption in Texas?
- Would you like to choose the adoptive parents or have a coordinator choose for you?
- What type of contact would you like with the family after the adoption is final?
- How would you like your hospital stay to go when you deliver the baby at the hospital?
- Would you like the adoptive parents to go to doctor’s appointments with you?
- Do you need help with pregnancy-related expenses?
If you don’t feel parenting your child is the right thing for you and your baby, placing your child for adoption is a loving and brave choice. There is a loving family that is ready and excited to grow their family through adoption. Now, with open adoption, that does not have to mean saying goodbye to your child forever. You can receive updates, pictures, and even visits. Many of our birth mothers have great relationships with the adoptive families. Recently, one of our birth mothers was getting married, and she asked for her daughter to be there. Not only was her daughter there, but the adoptive parents were there, and the adoptive father actually walked her down the aisle.
What if I Need Help with Pregnancy Expenses?
- Fees paid to an attorney, social worker, mental health professional, or physician for services rendered in the usual course of legal or medical practice or in providing adoption counseling
- Reimbursement of legal or medical expenses incurred by a person for the benefit of the child
- Necessary pregnancy-related expenses paid by a child-placing agency for the benefit of the child’s parent during the pregnancy or after the birth of the child as permitted by the minimum standards for child-placing agencies and Department of Protective and Regulatory Services rules
Referrals to professional and peer counseling are available through Lifetime Adoption at no cost to you. A professional counselor is available to help you with the emotions and decision-making processes you will go through during your adoption journey. Peer counselors, who are birth mothers and who have been through the adoption process, are also available. These women are happy to share their stories and help you through the adoption process.
What Are My Pregnancy Options in Texas?
Many states are now restricting abortion, which means some women need to consider abortion alternatives, such as modern adoption. Modern adoption allows the woman to choose the family who will adopt her child, decide what type of contact to have in the future, and how things will go at the hospital. A pregnant woman may be able to receive some help for pregnancy-related expenses such as food, rent, travel expenses, and more if she is choosing adoption. She can also still get updates, photos, and even visits if she wants. Adoption can be a positive choice for a woman with an unexpected, unwanted, or unplanned pregnancy. Not many people know a lot about modern adoption, so you will find many who may only see it as an alternative to abortion, but the truth is that women from all different walks of life are choosing adoption right now in Texas for their baby.
Can I Make a Post-Adoption Contact Agreements in Texas?
The adoption rules in Texas do not currently provide a specific statute for legally enforceable Post-Adoption Contact Agreements in private domestic adoptions. However, families can still enter into informal, good-faith agreements that reflect everyone’s hopes for future communication. At Lifetime Adoption, we’ve seen many adoptive families honor these commitments wholeheartedly—because they recognize the importance of openness, trust, and the child’s lifelong connection to their birth family.
At Lifetime Adoption, we’re strong advocates for the value of open adoption. We also make every effort to ensure that expectant mothers or anyone considering placing a child for adoption has the opportunity to share their expectations for future contact, as outlined in our Post-Adoption Contact Agreement. Our adoptive families are carefully chosen and fully prepared for the ongoing relationships that may be part of a child’s adoption journey.
These agreements, while not court-enforced, are built on respect and mutual understanding. Birth parents can feel confident that Lifetime families are committed to honoring the spirit of their agreements and staying connected in a way that puts the child’s best interests first.
Why is Adoption a Better Option Than Safe Haven?
Safe Haven in Texas
The Baby Moses Law, also known as the Safe Haven law, provides parents in Texas with a legal and safe option to leave their newborn infant without facing prosecution for abandonment or neglect. Under this law, parents who are unable to care for their child can bring their baby—who must be 60 days old or younger and unharmed—to a designated safe place, including any hospital, fire station, emergency medical services (EMS) station, or a newborn safety device located inside a designated emergency infant care (DEIC) provider facility.
If parents feel the need to leave their baby at a Safe Haven, they can do so by gently handing the little one to a caring employee at one of these designated locations. It’s important to communicate their intention to leave the baby in a Safe Haven.
Once that’s done, rest assured that the baby will receive the necessary medical attention and be placed with a loving emergency provider, all without any questions asked. However, the staff may ask for some family or medical history to help ensure the baby receives the best possible care. The Baby Moses Law offers a compassionate alternative for parents facing desperate circumstances, prioritizing the safety and well-being of vulnerable newborns.
Why Adoption May Be a Better Option
Adoption through Lifetime Adoption gives you choices, support, and the option to stay connected with your child if you wish. Here’s what makes adoption a powerful alternative:
- You Choose the Family – You’ll view photos and stories of hopeful adoptive families and choose the one that aligns with your hopes and values. You decide who will raise your baby.
- You Can Stay Connected – Open adoption means you can receive letters, photos, or even plan visits down the road—whenever you’re ready. Lifetime Adoption helps build that connection in a way that’s right for you.
- You’re Supported Every Step – Lifetime provides 24/7 caring support, free counseling, and help with pregnancy-related expenses. You’re never alone—someone is always here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Placing a Child for Adoption
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Does it cost money to put a child up for adoption in Texas?
There is never any cost to you as a birth parent. Depending on your state’s laws, the adoptive parents you choose may be able to help with pregnancy-related expenses, legal fees, and medical bills not covered by insurance. Your Adoption Coordinator will walk you through what support may be available.
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Why would I give my baby away?
Adoption isn’t “giving your baby away.” It’s a loving way to provide your child with the life and future you hope for. You can choose and get to know an approved adoptive family, create your hospital plan, and decide what kind of contact feels right after adoption. Learning more does not obligate you, and it’s never too late to explore your options even after your baby is born.
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Is adoption selfish?
Choosing adoption can be a deeply loving decision. Some women realize the time may not be right to parent and choose adoption to give their child the stability, opportunities, and future they hope for.
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How long do I have to decide whether or not to put my baby up for adoption?
Adoption is always an option, and it’s never too late to learn more. You can take the time you need to decide what feels right for you and your baby. Some women choose adoption early in pregnancy, while others decide later, at the hospital, or even after their baby is born.
Get Help With Adoption Options
Get Help With Adoption Options
How Do I Adopt a Child in Texas?
If you’re hoping to adopt in Texas, Lifetime Adoption is here to guide and support you every step of the way. With 40 years of experience in modern, open adoption, our caring team helps hopeful adoptive parents prepare for adoption and move forward with confidence.
How Do I Start the Adoption Process in Texas?
Getting started is simple. Complete our free online application with no obligation or commitment. After your application is reviewed and pre-approved, an adoption coordinator will contact you to explain the next steps.
We’ll help you create a family profile for expectant parents to view, guide you through the home study process, and provide helpful resources through our exclusive membership site.
How Much Does it Cost to Adopt in Texas?
For example, every adopting family must complete a home study. The average cost is $2,000 to $4,000, and the provider sets the cost. A Texas home study costs will include background checks, required adoption education, and the social worker’s travel/mileage expenses for the trips she makes to your home.
In Texas, most families hire an adoption agency to guide them on their adoption journey. An adoption agency will help hopeful adoptive parents find potential adoption opportunities. Part of that assistance includes screening incoming opportunities to protect adoptive couples from scams. Your adoption agency will also provide pregnancy support and counseling to birth parents as well as information and support to you. The average costs to employ an adoption agency are generally about $25,000 to $50,000.
Legal Services
An additional cost will be legal services once you are matched with an expectant mother or a child. You will need to have legal representation for yourselves as well as for the birth parents. Expect these costs to range from around $8,000 to $15,000. This number could be higher depending on many factors, such as state requirements or certain legal requirements unique to your adoption.
In some situations, a birth mother may need help with pregnancy-related expenses. These pregnancy-related expenses include assistance for items like medical co-pays, utility bills, maternity clothing, groceries, and transportation to and from their doctor’s office for prenatal visits. On average, at Lifetime Adoption, birth mothers in need of financial expenses generally receive around $5,000. Your attorney and agency will work with you to determine what is allowed and how the expenses are paid. It is important to have a budget for these potential expenses in mind. The average cost of adoption in Texas is generally about $38,000 to $70,000.
Foster Care
If these costs do not fit your budget, the foster system or AdoptUSKids is a lower-cost option. Many children are waiting to be adopted in the foster system; in these cases, the state covers the adoption costs. Additionally, kids in need of families in the foster system are typically older (over eight years old) or may have special needs. Adoptive families are required to participate in parenting education that focuses on what to expect when adopting an older child or child with special needs. When you are hoping to adopt a newborn, toddler, or child under five years old, this can be difficult to find through the foster care system.
An additional option is international (or inter-country) adoption. Consult with an adoption agency specializing in international adoption and licensed in your chosen country. You will want to research what countries currently allow international adoption and their rules. As in the case of foster adoption, this is generally not an option if you are hoping to adopt a newborn baby. There are several risks involved in international adoption, such as a country changing its adoption laws or closing prior to the completion of your adoption. This was the case for many families hoping to adopt from Haiti and Ukraine. When this happens, your adoption may end up in limbo for months or years, and the adoption fees you paid may not be refunded. The cost for domestic and international adoption is about the same.
If you have more specific questions about the cost of adoption in Texas or financing an adoption, please don’t hesitate to call or text us at 727-493-0933 or fill out this short form.
What Are the Adoption Laws in Texas?
Typically, during the adoption process in Texas, the timeline for legal documentation and the timeline for adoption are as follows.
In general, the birth mother signs papers surrendering 48 hours after delivery of the baby. A birth father may surrender his parental rights by signing an Affidavit of Relinquishment of Parental Rights at any time, before or after the child’s birth. The adoptive parents can finalize their adoption after completing their after placement social worker visits and attending the finalization hearing at the courthouse.
Every adoption is unique, and so rules can vary. There are exceptions and different legal requirements depending on the individual facts of each adoption. Your adoption attorney is there to make sure your adoption goes smoothly, and all legal aspects are done correctly.
Texas Home Studies
A home study includes the following:
- Background checks
- Financial verification
- Medical reports
- Employment verification
- References
- Visit of the home
Part of your home study will be a home visit. This will involve interviewing every member of the household. You will provide background information and information regarding your family and marital relationships, what your parenting style is, why you want to adopt, your education, and more for your home study social worker.
Your Texas home study social worker will come back within one week for the first post-placement visit once your child is placed with you. These visits will continue monthly until your adoption finalization.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adopting a Child in Texas
How much does adoption cost in Texas?
The cost of adoption in Texas depends on the type of adoption you pursue. A private domestic adoption may cost approximately $38,000 to $70,000 when agency services, the home study, legal representation, court fees, and permitted pregnancy-related expenses are included.
Adopting a child from foster care generally involves little or no agency cost, although families may still have legal or administrative expenses. Ask each adoption professional for a clear fee schedule so you understand which services are included and which costs may vary.
What disqualifies you from adopting in Texas?
No single issue automatically disqualifies every hopeful parent from adopting in Texas. Approval depends on your home study, background checks, household circumstances, and ability to provide a safe and stable home.
Certain serious criminal convictions, substantiated findings of child abuse or neglect, unsafe living conditions, or dishonesty during the home study can prevent approval. Financial challenges, health conditions, or an older legal issue may not be automatic barriers. Be open with your home study provider so they can explain how your individual circumstances may affect eligibility.
How difficult is it to adopt in Texas?
Adopting in Texas can be emotionally and administratively demanding, but qualified families successfully complete the process every year. You will need to gather personal records, complete background checks, participate in interviews, prepare your home, and meet all home study requirements.
In a private newborn adoption, waiting to be chosen by an expectant mother can be the most unpredictable part. An experienced adoption professional can help you understand each step, prepare for possible challenges, and move through the process with realistic expectations.
How do you adopt a newborn baby in Texas?
To adopt a newborn in Texas, begin by choosing a domestic adoption professional and completing an application. You will then complete a home study and create a family profile that expectant parents can review.
After an expectant mother chooses your family, your adoption professionals will coordinate communication, legal services, hospital planning, and placement. The required parental consent and legal steps take place after the baby is born. Your family will then complete post-placement visits before attending a court hearing to finalize the adoption.
What are the requirements to adopt a child in Texas?
Texas adoption requirements vary based on whether you pursue private adoption or adoption through foster care.
Hopeful parents generally must complete an application and home study, provide personal and financial information, submit references, and complete criminal history and child abuse or neglect checks. The home study also evaluates your household, health, relationships, parenting preparation, and ability to meet a child’s needs.
Single adults and married couples may be eligible to adopt, although individual adoption programs can establish additional requirements.
How long does the adoption process take in Texas?
There is no standard adoption timeline in Texas. Completing an application, home study, education, and family profile may take several weeks or months.
In a private infant adoption, the time required to be matched with an expectant mother varies considerably because birth parents choose the adoptive family. After placement, required visits and legal procedures must be completed before finalization. The full process may take months or longer depending on the type of adoption, your preferences, the circumstances of the placement, and any interstate or legal requirements.
Complete Your Family with Lifetime Adoption
For 40 years, Lifetime Adoption has brought birth parents and adoptive families together through caring, modern open adoption. As a trusted Christian adoption agency serving Texas, our experienced coordinators provide personalized guidance and support throughout the adoption journey.
Whether you’re considering adoption for your child or hoping to adopt, Lifetime is here to answer your questions, explain the process, and help you understand adoption in Texas. We look forward to walking alongside you.
Lifetime Adoption, Inc. is a Licensed Child Placing Agency in Arkansas. (License AR #00050809)
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