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Adoption is a meaningful and often emotional journey, and one of the most common concerns for prospective adoptive parents is time.
So, how long does the adoption process take in Texas?
The answer depends on several factors, including the type of adoption, whether parental rights need to be terminated, and how prepared you are with documentation. Below, we break down typical timelines and what can speed up—or slow down—the process.
AVERAGE TIMEFRAMES BY ADOPTION TYPE
| Type of Adoption | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Stepparent Adoption | 3 to 6 months |
| Kinship Adoption | 3 to 6 months |
| Private Infant Adoption | 6 to 12 months |
| Foster Care Adoption | 6 to 18 months |
| International Adoption | 12 to 36 months |
| Adult Adoption | 1 to 2 months |
While these are average estimates, your timeline could vary based on court scheduling, agency involvement, or how quickly you complete your part of the process.
MAJOR STEPS IN THE ADOPTION PROCESS
Every adoption includes the following core phases:
1. Filing a Petition to Adopt
You (or your attorney) will file paperwork in the district court of the child’s residence. This includes forms specific to your type of adoption.
2. Termination of Parental Rights (If Applicable)
The rights of the child’s biological parents must be terminated—either voluntarily or by court order. This is often the most time-consuming part of the process.
3. Home Study and Background Checks
Most adoptions (except adult adoptions) require a licensed social worker to conduct a home study. This includes interviews, background checks, and a home inspection. It can take several weeks or more to complete.
4. Waiting Periods and Court Review
After documentation is submitted and legal requirements are satisfied, courts may require the child to live with you for a set period (usually six months) before finalizing the adoption.
5. Final Adoption Hearing
Once all requirements are met, the court schedules a hearing. A judge reviews your case and, if approved, signs the Final Order of Adoption.
FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT THE TIMELINE
Parental Consent
If both biological parents consent to the adoption (or if rights were already terminated), the process moves much faster.
Type of Adoption
Adult adoptions are typically the fastest, while international adoptions are often the most complex and time-consuming due to immigration requirements.
Background Checks and Documentation
Delays often happen when families are slow to submit forms or complete fingerprinting. Staying organized can help prevent bottlenecks.
Court Scheduling
Court dockets vary by county. A busy court system may extend your wait time for hearings or approvals.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I adopt a child in less than six months?
Yes. Some stepparent, kinship, or adult adoptions can be completed in three to four months if uncontested and properly prepared.
What if the biological parent does not consent?
You may need to petition the court for involuntary termination of parental rights, which can extend the timeline and require additional hearings.
Do all adoptions require a home study?
Most do, but in some stepparent or kinship cases, the court may waive this requirement depending on your county and case specifics.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The length of the adoption process in Texas can vary widely—from a few months to several years—depending on the type of adoption and your circumstances. While the timeline may seem overwhelming, proper preparation and professional guidance can help avoid unnecessary delays.
If you are considering adoption, working with an experienced Texas adoption attorney can make the process more efficient and less stressful from start to finish.
Bryan Fagan is a Texas family law attorney with a heart for adoption—inspired not just by his legal career, but by his own family story. Growing up in Atascocita with two adopted brothers, Bryan learned early the profound meaning of chosen family. His passion for justice was sparked by John Grisham’s The Pelican Brief, and he became the first lawyer in his family, balancing night classes at South Texas College of Law while caring for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s.
Today, Bryan brings that same dedication to his practice, guiding families through adoptions, custody disputes, divorces, and complex marital agreements. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, he combines elite legal expertise with genuine empathy—drawing from his roles as a husband, father of three, and advocate for families facing false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is actively involved in the Houston Bar Association’s Family Law Sector and statewide family law organizations. Whether finalizing an adoption or protecting parental rights, he believes the law should reflect the deepest values of home, commitment, and love.
