Work with Our Bilingual Family Law Attorney
Guardianships are both established and monitored by the courts to give the guardian the right to care for another person, known as the ward.
Guardianship may be established for:
- A minor child
- A disabled or incapacitated adult
- A senior citizen suffering from dementia
There are two types of guardianship. The first is a guardianship of the person, in which the guardian is responsible for the ward’s physical care, daily tasks, healthcare, and other needs. The second type is a guardianship of the ward’s estate, where the guardian is responsible for managing the ward’s financial matters, property, and assets. The same person may be assigned as a guardian of the ward’s person and estate.
Adoption in Texas
Adopting a child can be an overwhelming process that can be made easier with a trusted El Paso adoption attorney on your side. When applying to adopt, you will be subject to many steps and much scrutiny by the courts to ensure that you are qualified for this very important responsibility.
Both married couples and single individuals can adopt in Texas. You must:
- Be 21 or older
- Demonstrate financial stability
- Provide references and background information
- Pass a home study
- Pass criminal background and child abuse checks for yourself and any others living in your home
You can work with a domestic adoption agency, an international adoption agency, or an agency that specializes in foster care adoptions. Our attorney can help you determine the type of agency that will work best for you. At Linette Aguirre-Gonzalez, PLLC, we can provide the assistance you need with this important decision as well as with all the steps you need to take to finalize your adoption.
Contact us at (915) 642-0466 to discuss your case during an initial consultation with our El Paso family law attorney.
Do You Have to be Married to Adopt in Texas?
In Texas, marriage is not a requirement for adopting a child. Both married couples and single individuals can adopt, and the state's adoption laws do not discriminate based on marital status. However, all prospective adoptive parents, regardless of their marital status, must meet certain eligibility criteria and go through a rigorous adoption process.
The primary focus of adoption agencies and the Texas courts is to ensure that potential adoptive parents are capable of providing a stable, loving, and supportive home for the child. They assess various factors, including financial stability, emotional readiness, and a safe living environment. Prospective adoptive parents will typically undergo a home study, which involves interviews, background checks, and home visits to evaluate their suitability for adoption.
- For married couples, both spouses must actively participate in the adoption process unless legally separated. If one spouse has legal custody of a child, the other spouse may also petition for adoption.
- For single individuals seeking to adopt in Texas, they have the same legal rights and responsibilities as married couples throughout the adoption process. They must demonstrate that they can meet the child's needs and provide a stable and loving home environment.
It's essential for all prospective adoptive parents, whether married or single, to be aware of the various types of adoption available in Texas, such as agency adoption, private adoption, and adoption from the foster care system. Each type of adoption may have its own specific requirements and procedures.
Marriage is not a prerequisite for adopting a child in Texas. Both married couples and single individuals can pursue adoption, provided they meet the necessary qualifications and pass the adoption evaluation process to ensure they can provide a loving and stable home for the child.
