If you are a couple or adult who has the desire to adopt a child in Texas, it has never been simpler. The first step in adopting a child is deciding that you want to adopt a child in need of a home. In Texas specifically, there are a few legal requirements that must be fulfilled to become eligible:

• You must be the legal age (21 years old).
• You must be financially stable.
• You must complete the adoption form and submit your background and general information for assessment.
• You must provide references.
• Proof of marriage or divorce is required.
• You must complete a home study and a criminal background check.

If you are a couple adopting from outside the state, you will still need a background check done in Texas. Once you’ve fulfilled the legal requirements, you must decide what type of adoption you’ll pursue. Some important questions include:

1. Will you be adopting a baby or a child?
2. Will it be an international or domestic adoption?
3. How much communication would you like with the birth parents?

The next step is choosing how you will adopt a child. You can proceed privately by contacting people you know with an unplanned pregnancy. Remember, it is illegal to advertise for adoption unless you are a licensed adoption agency.

A trusted route is using an adoption agency, law firm, or professional who can guide and search for a child for you. After this, the home study begins. State professionals or agency workers will interview you, inspect your home, and talk to your references to assess your environment.

Once cleared, you're placed on a waiting list. The hardest part is waiting for the call that a birth parent has chosen you. Depending on your adoption plan, you may meet the birth parents and even attend the birth. Once the child is born, you may be given custody — but the child is not legally yours until you sign the adoption papers.

After placement, there will be post-placement visits and a final court hearing with a judge who finalizes the adoption. After that, the child is officially yours.