If you’ve built a loving relationship with your stepdaughter, you may be considering formalizing that bond through adoption. In Texas, stepparent adoption is the legal process that allows you to become your stepchild’s legal parent, with all the rights and responsibilities that come with parenthood.
If you’re wondering, “How do I adopt my stepdaughter in Texas?”, here’s what you need to know.
WHAT IS STEPPARENT ADOPTION?
Stepparent adoption gives you the same legal rights as a biological parent. Once finalized, you become your stepdaughter’s legal parent, which means:
- You can make medical, educational, and legal decisions on her behalf.
- She will have inheritance rights as your child.
- Her birth certificate can be updated with your name listed as a parent.
- Your relationship is legally protected, even if something happens to your spouse.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTING YOUR STEPDAUGHTER IN TEXAS
To adopt your stepdaughter, you must:
- Be legally married to her biological or legal parent.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Show that you are financially and emotionally stable.
- Pass a criminal background check.
TERMINATION OF THE OTHER PARENT’S RIGHTS
Texas law requires that a child can only have two legal parents. For you to adopt your stepdaughter, the other biological parent must no longer have parental rights. This can happen in two ways:
- Voluntary Termination – The other parent signs an affidavit giving up their rights.
- Involuntary Termination – The court ends parental rights due to abandonment, neglect, abuse, or other statutory grounds.
This step must be completed before the adoption can move forward.
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO ADOPT YOUR STEPDAUGHTER
Step 1: File a Petition for Adoption
You begin by filing an Original Petition for Adoption of a Stepchild in the family court of the county where your stepdaughter lives.
Step 2: Include Termination of Parental Rights (If Needed)
If the other parent still has legal rights, you must also file a Petition to Terminate Parental Rights.
Step 3: Home Study (Sometimes Waived)
Texas courts usually require a home study conducted by a licensed social worker. This involves background checks, interviews, and a home inspection. In some stepparent adoptions, the judge may waive this requirement.
Step 4: Consent from Your Stepdaughter (If Over 12)
If your stepdaughter is 12 years or older, she must provide written or verbal consent to the adoption.
Step 5: Final Court Hearing
You, your spouse, and your stepdaughter will attend a hearing. The judge will review your case, confirm that the adoption is in your stepdaughter’s best interest, and sign the Final Order of Adoption.
Step 6: Update Records
After adoption, you can:
- Request a new birth certificate listing you as her legal parent.
- Update her school, medical, and insurance records.
COST OF STEPPARENT ADOPTION IN TEXAS
Stepparent adoptions are generally less expensive than private or agency adoptions. Costs typically range between $500 and $5,000, depending on whether the case is contested and whether a home study is required.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need my spouse’s consent?
Yes. The child’s biological or legal parent (your spouse) must consent to the adoption.
What if the other parent refuses to give up their rights?
You may still pursue involuntary termination, but you must show the court legal grounds such as abandonment, neglect, or failure to provide support.
Can a stepparent adoption be reversed?
Adoptions in Texas are generally permanent and can only be undone in rare cases involving fraud or serious legal errors.
Final Steps and Support for Adopting Your Stepdaughter in Texas
Adopting your stepdaughter in Texas is a powerful way to give her stability and ensure your relationship is recognized under the law. While the process can involve legal hurdles—especially when terminating parental rights—it ultimately creates a permanent and protected family bond.
Contact The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC today. Our experienced family law attorneys can guide you through every step of the stepparent adoption process, from termination of parental rights to final court approval.
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.