Are you considering adopting a relative's child?

 Posted on July 05, 2019 in Divorce

It is not unusual for people to find themselves in situations in which they must make difficult decisions. For some Texas residents, an unexpected pregnancy could put them in a predicament that has them questioning their futures. If you have a loved one who does not feel ready to be a parent, you may be considering adopting the child.

Kinship adoption can often help mothers-to-be have an option for helping their children have happy and healthy lives even though the biological parents may not currently be capable of raising children. If you are in the position of potentially adopting a relative's child, you need all the reliable information you can get.

Why kinship/relative adoption?

Adoption in any form can be difficult for birth mothers, even when they know it is the best decision for their children. Having a child adopted by a relative can have numerous benefits, including allowing a child to grow up as a part of his or her biological — even if extended — family. This type of adoption can also be useful to the child's medical care, as the family's medical history will still be known.

Difficulties with kinship adoption

Though this option does have many benefits, it can also have its difficulties. For instance, a biological mother may have the benefit of spending time with the child, but she may later find herself having a difficult time watching someone else parent the child. In order for the adoption process to work, the biological mother must give up all parental rights, which means she cannot make decisions for the child going forward.

This type of adoption — and any kind, really — could also prove difficult for the child when he or she is older. The child may have questions about the adoption and why the biological parent did not raise him or her. Though these questions can be emotional and sometimes difficult to answer, they are common concerns for adopted children to have.

Legalities of kinship adoption

In order to legally adopt a relative, you must go through the proper legal channels. As a result, you will undoubtedly want to have a Texas attorney on your side experienced in adoption and other family law issues. This legal professional can help you through the process, answer any questions you may have about adoption and ensure that your rights are intact as the new parent.