How long does it take for adoption to be finalized?

Adoptions in Texas can take anywhere from a few months to several years to be finalized, depending on the type of adoption involved. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services regulates all types of adoption, including private, agency, stepparent, and others. The adoption process in Texas begins when the adoptive parents petition the court and receive a Temporary Order of Possession allowing the adoptive parents to assume legal responsibility for the child. Once the petition is filed, the adoptive parents must attend an adoption preparation class and undergo a home study. The home study is conducted by a licensed social worker and includes an examination of the adoptive family’s finances, lifestyle, background, and fitness to take on the responsibility of a new child. The court will then approve or deny the petition. If approved, the adoptive parents will need to receive an adoption decree from the court. This will signify that the adoption is officially finalized and the child will be legally considered a member of the adoptive family. Overall, the length of the legal adoption process can vary greatly. It can take anywhere from a few months to several years to finalize depending on the type of adoption involved, the complexity of the case, or a number of other factors.

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