Adoption Attorney Serving Houston And Throughout Texas
You have imagined it: a child, a home, a family you create with love and purpose. I understand that this is one of the most meaningful decisions you will ever make. At The Law Offices of Suzanne Schwab-Radcliffe, PLLC, I bring over three decades of family law experience and years on the bench as a Family Court Judge to every case. That means honest answers, a clear plan and an advocate who has seen this process from every angle.
Adoption – “Open Your Heart, Open Your Home To A Child” – Galveston County Adoption Day
I have years of experience with children’s issues, both in court and on the legislative front. I have long been an advocate for protecting children. I am the co-founder of Galveston County’s National Adoption Day Celebration, which started in 2004 and a founding member of the Advocacy Center for Children of Galveston County.
In 1997, I was appointed as one of the state’s first family law judges to specialize in childhood abuse and neglect cases. I have served on the Texas Bar’s Childhood Abuse & Neglect Task Force. Additionally, I was a member of a state review committee that examined the prescription of psychotropic medications to foster children. Through this work and other activities, I continue my dedication to helping children get adopted and find a permanent home.
If you are seeking to enlarge your family through adoption, my staff and I will walk you through the process so that the adoption goes smoothly and as quickly as possible. I have also successfully represented many grandparents and other relatives in adoptions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption In Texas
Adoption raises important concerns, and you deserve clear answers. Below, I address what families in Galveston County most commonly ask.
What are the basic legal requirements to adopt a child in Texas?
Texas law sets clear eligibility standards for prospective adoptive parents. To qualify, you must meet each of the following:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Demonstrate financial stability
- Pass comprehensive criminal background checks and child abuse registry screenings
- Complete a state-approved home study
- Maintain suitable housing that provides a safe environment for the child
Single adults and married couples qualify equally to adopt in Texas. If you are married, you and your spouse generally must file the adoption petition jointly, unless specific exceptions apply.
How long must a child reside with adoptive parents in Houston before the adoption is finalized?
In agency and private adoptions, Texas Family Code Section 162.009 typically requires the child to live continuously in your home for at least six months before finalization. This period gives the court time to evaluate the placement.
A judge retains the discretion to shorten or waive this requirement. Courts exercise that authority when evidence shows that an earlier finalization serves the child’s best interests.
What is the difference between open, semi-open and closed adoptions in Texas?
The difference lies in how much contact and information families share after an adoption is finalized. Texas permits all three arrangements, and your choice depends on what serves your family:
- Open adoption: Biological and adoptive parents share identifying information and maintain direct contact, including visits, phone calls or letter exchanges
- Semi-open adoption: An intermediary, such as an adoption agency, handles all communication while keeping both families’ identifying details private
- Closed adoption: Courts and agencies seal all records, and neither family shares identifying information or maintains contact
No single arrangement fits every family. An adoption attorney can help you weigh each option and choose what best protects your child long-term.
The Next Step Toward Your Child Starts With One Call
The family you have always imagined is within reach. My office has earned its reputation through results and word-of-mouth referrals from families across Harris, Galveston, Brazoria and Fort Bend counties. Call my office at 832-500-3975 or reach out online to schedule your consultation.