Adoption We're In This Together

Austin Adoption Attorney

Assisting with Texas Grandparent Adoptions

At Andrae Law, PLLC, we are not typically involved with the adoptive family until the child has been placed with the family. At that point, we will draft and file a Petition for Adoption and request that a home study provider be appointed to conduct and complete the home study report to the Court. The last legal step in the process is assisting our client(s) in obtaining a new birth certificate for their child after the Court has signed the Order of Adoption. Every step of the way, our Austin adoption lawyers will be there to guide you and protect your rights.

When someone adopts a child, that individual or couple becomes the child’s legal parent(s). A legal adoption gives the adoptive family the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. There are several steps in the adoption process, from the placement in the adoptive family’s home to the appointment of a home study provider to the final adoption hearing.

Types of Adoption We Handle

At Andrae Law, PLLC we handle such adoptions as:

Adoption Legalities and Parental Rights in Texas

Before an adoption can take place, the rights of the biological parents must be terminated. Our team is experienced in handling both terminations of parental rights and adoptions and may be hired at either step in the process.

In some cases, we will file both a Petition for Termination and a Petition for Adoption simultaneously. Like the adoption process, there are several steps in a termination suit as well. Depending on the county, the Court may require that a Guardian ad Litem be appointed to represent the best interest of the child and investigate the reasons for the termination/adoption. If a biological parent has agreed to execute an Affidavit of Relinquishment, the termination process may be uncontested. If a biological parent has been absent from a child’s life for many years and cannot be located, the Court would require the appointment of an attorney ad Litem for the missing parent.

Understanding Adoption in Austin: Local Resources and Support

In Austin, navigating the adoption process can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Local resources such as the Austin Public Health Department and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services provide valuable information and support for families considering adoption. These entities can help you understand the legal requirements and connect you with home study providers in the area.

Additionally, the City of Austin's Family Services Division offers programs that can assist families throughout the adoption process, ensuring that you have access to the support you need. We are committed to helping you understand your rights and responsibilities as you embark on this journey, making the process as smooth as possible for you and your family.

For more information on how we can assist you with adoption in Austin, please reach out to us or give us a call at (512) 668-7133. We are here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Choose Andrae Law, PLLC?

  • Committed to Giving Back
    Our firm is involved with giving back to the legal profession and the community.
  • Board Certified
    Amanda Andrae is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
  • Experienced Attorneys
    Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined legal experience.

Talk to an Austin Adoption Lawyer About Your Case

The circumstances surrounding adoption and termination vary greatly depending on the family. Our Austin adoption lawyers believe that every case is unique, and we provide customized services to meet the individual family’s needs.

Some families want to adopt a biological family member (such as a grandchild, niece or nephew), while other families may adopt from overseas, or from the Texas Department of Protective and Family Services (more commonly known as CPS or Child Protective Services). Whatever your situation, our family law firm has the knowledge-base to expedite this process.

In addition to representing our own clients in their adoption cases, attorney Amanda Andrae is an active proponent of adoption in the community, having served on the Austin Bar Committee for Austin Adoption Day for the past five years. Amanda and her ex-husband, Dave, have adopted a child, and have a large network of friends who have either been adopted or have adopted children of their own. Our firm has a commitment to forming loving families through the adoption process.

What Will Disqualify You From Adopting A Child In Texas?

While there are many qualifications that each prospective adoptive parent will have to meet in order to be eligible to adopt, this is all done in order to keep children safe and to make sure that children are going into homes that they will be more likely to thrive. Not all these qualifications have to do with safety, but rather many of them deal with the quality-of-life which children will have once they enter their forever home.

To learn more, call our offices at (512) 668-7133. We represent clients across Austin and the surrounding areas, including Williamson and Travis.

Contact Us Today!

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

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  • "Ethical, compassionate, dedicated attorney in an extremely complicated and difficult situation."
    Amanda Andrae is an ethical, compassionate, dedicated attorney who truly cares about what is important in family law, the best interest of the child. My situation was beyond complex and difficult with respect to the dyamics of all the involved parties, therapists, attorneys, witnesses, etc. Amanda did not falter in her ability to skillfully manage both the "people" side of things and the legal/ technical. She is honest and responsive, and truly went above and beyond to find ways to resolve an impossible situation. Amanda is also well respected by other attorneys, judges and therapists in Austin, which is important. In a situation where there were often no good answers, she did what she does best, which is think strategically, creatively, and always focus on what was best for my children and for me. If you want an ethical, compassionate, skilled family law attorney, I highly recommend Amanda Andrae.
    Anon
  • "They were great with communication"
    I am very pleased with Andrae Law. I got divorced and had a child custody matter I needed help with and they handled it. They were very direct with what my options were. If I was confused about something they were very good about explaining the process and what had to be done. They were great with communication, via email and phone. I've had attorneys in the past that wouldn't return my call for up to a week, I was very happy that didn't happen with this firm. I feel I definitely got my money's worth. I highly recommend Amanda Andrae & Sally Pretorius with Andrae Law.
    Anon
  • "Perfect amount of understanding and empathy"
    Amanda and her team have exhibited the perfect amount of understanding and empathy balanced with sound legal guidance. Amanda was sensitive to my desires in implementing my divorce and setting up visitation for my ex-husband but didn't let me short myself by giving up more than I needed.
    Anon
  • "This firm has my highest recommendation."
    Amanda Andrae is one of my preferred mediators. She WILL settle the case! J. Riggs is one of my preferred attorneys. I know when I recommend him to people that he will do a great job representing them. This firm has my highest recommendation.
    Jessica B.
  • "excellent work from J.!"
    excellent work from J.!
    Madhu S.
  • "Knowledgeable and compassionate"
    Amanda is a very knowledgeable and compassionate attorney who expertly guides her clients to fair settlements and, when needed, to very good outcomes in the courtroom.
    Anon
  • "They are knowledgeable"
    Amanda Andrae and J. Riggs make a great team. They are knowledgeable about the law and will ensure you are well taken care of. Do not hesitate to put your trust in them with your family law case.
    Clare M.
  • "Deeply moved by your incredible generosity"

    Amanda, "Thank you" is insufficient, as I am deeply moved by your incredible generosity. Your support, along with Joan and Alex, has been beyond remarkable. I don't know how I would've gotten through this experience without all of you. You and Joan are just as much therapists as you are lawyers. You both fought for me and didn't let me back down when I was emotionally exhausted but you did so with respect and integrity. You provided me with the validation I needed when I doubted myself. I now carry this forward with me and the value of such is priceless. You turned one of the worst experiences of my life into one of my proudest. As a result of the dedication and unwavering support I received from you both, my family will forever be shaped for the better. In sincere gratitude, I wish you all the best.

    Anonymous