Adoption for Unmarried Couples

Adoption by unmarried couples is a more complex but increasingly common process in states across the country. In many states, single unmarried individuals and unmarried couples may apply to adopt a child. Texas is one state in which an individual or a couple may apply to adopt a child without being married, but this does not necessarily guarantee that a couple will be accepted to adopt. Because adoption needs and decisions vary from place to place, an application from an unmarried couple may be denied in one jurisdiction but accepted in another.

The adoption process for unmarried couples varies depending on the situation. In some cases, a couple may be in a long-term relationship, have sufficient income, and have an ideal home environment to raise a child, but may not be married for personal or financial reasons. In this circumstance, a couple may choose to jointly apply to adopt a child. If accepted, both individuals would have equal parental rights under Texas law. Likewise, a single individual may choose to adopt a child on his or her own and may be granted sole legal parental status.

Sometimes an unmarried adoptive or biological parent later becomes involved in a relationship and wishes to have his or her significant other become the child’s adoptive parent. This is called second-parent adoption. Some jurisdictions are more strict regarding unmarried second-parent adoptions than others. In Texas, second-parent adoptions have been accepted in some areas, both for straight couples and LGBT couples. If you are interested in unmarried couple adoption, consider consulting with a Texas adoption lawyer to discuss the options available to you.

Contact Us

To learn more about adoption by unmarried couples under Texas law, please contact the experienced Austin adoption lawyers of Slater, Kennon & Pugh Ltd.LLP today at 512-472-2431.