03/07/2024
⭐️Texas Domestic Adoption Laws⭐️
Q: Can hopeful adoptive parents advertise for birth parents?
A: No. (Advertising is defined as any online forum, social media, google ads, electronic means. Using flyers & word of mouth only is permitted)
Q: Can any person or entity other than a licensed child placing agency advertise for prospective adoptive families & expectant mothers?
A: No. Attorneys are not even permitted to advertise. Seeking adoptive parents & expectant mothers on any platform including in person without a child placing agency license is an offense under Penal Code 25.09
Q: Can adopting parents use an adoption facilitator or another paid intermediary?
A: No, only licensed child-placing agencies can “match” prospective adoptive parents with an expectant mother or identify parties to each other.
162.025 PLACEMENT BY UNAUTHORIZED PERSON; a person who is not a child placing agency licensed under chapter 42 commits an offense if the person: 1) Serves as an intermediary between a prospective adoptive parent & an expectant parent or parent of a minor child to IDENTIFY the PARTIES to EACH OTHER. (It is against the law to even “self match” using any platform or social media by any person or entity that is not a licensed child placing agency)
Q: What birth parent expenses may be paid, and in what time period?
A: Private: medical, legal, and counseling through an attorney. Agency: medical, legal, counseling, living expenses (rent, clothing, food, gas). No reimbursement for expenses paid or incurred prior to contact with agency. 6 weeks postpartum. No reimbursement if birth mom changes her mind on placing or for any reason.
Q: When does consent become irrevocable? If consent is revoked, is return to birth parent automatic?
A: Private: Relinquishment revocable for 10 days, or irrevocable for up to 60 days after signing. If properly revoked during appropriate time, return is likely. Agency: irrevocable after signing.
Q: Are post-adoption contact agreements legally enforceable?
A: No.
