The Law Office of Matt Sossi Offers Legal Services Regarding Adoption & Termination of Rights

• How is termination of a person’s parental rights possible?
• Termination First, Adoption Proceedings Second
• What happens to child support once termination occurs?
• Once termination is accomplished, what will I need to have the adoption granted by the court?
• What information will the investigator need to prepare this report?
• How do I get my new birth certificate?

How is termination of a person’s parental rights possible?

Legally speaking either parent can have their rights terminated. While not an exhaustive list for sure, grounds for termination in the State of Texas include abandonment of their child, failing to provide support to the child or signing an affidavit to relinquish parental rights. The ultimate approval for termination must be a district judge who may wish to have an attorney appointed to make sure that the termination is in the best interest of the child. Please contact my office so I can further discuss this issue with you to understand the legal mechanics involved in these types of proceedings.

Termination First, Adoption Proceedings Second

Proceedings to terminate in the State of Texas should be filed first, then proceedings to adopt. A petition for a step parent adoption can also include a request for termination. Be clear to understand what proceedings will be filed when talking to your attorney as you may wish to avoid, if possible, costs of filing two suits..

What happens to child support once termination occurs?

Interesting question as the Texas Legislature amended the family code in 2005 to allow for child support obligations to survive orders granting termination. I would ask that you consult with your attorney to determine how the termination will affect past and future child support obligations.

Once termination is accomplished, what will I need to have the adoption granted by the court?

Besides additional information required by your attorney you will need to have an investigator appointed by the court to prepare what is called as a pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement report. The report will be filed in your adoption file when the court makes its ultimate decision on whether to grant your adoption or not..

What information will the investigator need to prepare this report?

Should you wish to have your adoption handled by our office, I would ask that you click on the following PDF file and bring the information required to our office: [ Request for Criminal Background Check]. The individual who prepares the preadoptive home screening for my office will take that information so as to assist the investigator in preparing the report.

How do I get my new birth certificate?

Once the adoption is granted and you have received your order, you may want to obtain a new birth certificate for the child. While your attorney will help you to obtain a new birth certificate I would ask that you review the site on Texas Vital Statistics located at the following link:

Information on Forms for Adoptions, Adoption Agencies:

Information on State Adoptions:

Information on adoptions through TDFPS - Texas Department of Family and Protective Services:

Information our investigator requests prior
to filing report can be reached at the following PDF File:

Request for Criminal Background Check