Texas Adoption Laws

Adoption Laws in Texas

Access to Adoption Records

• Non-Identifying Information: Adopted adults, adoptive parents, and guardians of child are allowed to obtain the non identifying information.

• Identifying Information: This information is provided through a registry.

• Adoption Registry Use: The persons listed below are allowed to use the registry-
  • Adopted adults of age eighteen years or older.
  • Birth siblings of age 21 years or older.
  • Birth parents.

• Contact:
  Central Adoption Registry
  Bureau of Vital Statistics
  TX Department of Health
  PO Box 140123
  Austin, TX 78714-0123
  (512) 458-7111

• Birth Certificate (Original): To obtain the non-certified copy of the birth certificate, you should do the following things:
  • You should identify the parent names on birth certificate.
  • You must be completed at least eighteen years of age.
  • Photo Identification copy submission is needed.
  • Other legal documents are needed if your name has changed due to marriage or other reasons.

Consents

• Consent to an adoption shall be done by:
  Statute: Fam. Code - § 162.010
  • The managing Conservator.

• Age Requirement for consideration of Adoptee Consent:
  Statute: Fam. Code - § 162.010
  • If child's age is twelve years or older, then consent is must unless the state court searches it (the best suit/interest to waive the consent).
  • The managing conservator is allowed to do consent.

• When Consent is not required:
  Statute: Fam. Code - §- § 161.003; 161.005; 161.006; 161.007
  • If the parent is mentally retarded or has a problem like mental illness due to which he or she is unable to take care of adopted child.
  • On voluntary termination of parental rights.
  • After abortion.

• Parental Consent can be executed:
  Statute: Fam. Code - §- § 161.103; 161.106
  • The birth mother may consent, providing at least 48 hours are required after the birth of child.
  • A man can consent at any time.
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