What is a post-adoption contact agreement?

A post-adoption contact agreement (PAC agreement) is a legally binding document between adoptees and birth parents in Texas that outlines the details of ongoing contact between the two parties after the adoption has been finalized. These agreements are put in place to encourage openness and respect between the adoptee and birth family and to provide a sense of security to the adoptee. In Texas, post-adoption contact agreements can be arranged before the adoption process is complete. However, they usually take effect once a final adoption decree is issued. Although these agreements are not legally enforced in Texas, they are enforceable in some other states. Post-adoption contact agreements can be customized to suit the needs of both the adoptee and their birth families. Such agreements may determine levels of contact, whether this contact will be in person or by mail or phone, and when contact will occur. They may also detail the financial obligations of both parties. Post-adoption contact agreements are voluntary and can be terminated at any time if either party chooses to do so. It is important for the adoptee to remember that post-adoption contact agreements provide an opportunity to keep in touch with birth parents but do not necessarily create a legal relationship between the two.

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What is a post-adoption contact agreement?

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