Adoption

Adoptions can arise as separate legal matters or in the context of divorce and child custody cases.  We have extensive experience assisting clients with a wide variety of adoption matters, including but not limited to the following:

• Family adoptions, such as stepparents, grandparents, or other relatives
• Foreign or interstate adoptions, both of which are more complex and involve multiple state, federal and sometimes international laws
• Open adoptions, where the parties meet each other and remain in contact after the adoption
• Closed adoptions, where the parties choose not to have any contact with each other
• Agency or private adoptions

Each type of adoption is governed by different laws and rules, which are often complex.  We understand that an adoption can be both an exciting and difficult time for many of our clients, and our experience handling many types of adoptions ensures that we are familiar with the laws and procedures that apply to each type of case. 

Child Protective Services

Many families come to us when they are facing an investigation by the Child Protective Services (CPS) division of the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services.  CPS investigates reports of child abuse and neglect.  If CPS is investigating you, or even if you have already temporarily lost custody of your children, you still have parental rights.   

If CPS has taken custody of your children and put them into foster care, there will be a court proceeding.  Often, the court will order you to complete specific activities in order to regain custody, and these actions must be taken in a timely manner.  If you fail to comply within these deadlines, you face permanently losing custody of your children.  To avoid this potentially devastating consequence, it is important to hire an attorney who is experienced with CPS proceedings and who is committed to protecting your parental rights and helping you perform the required actions within the court-ordered timeline.

Seek Experienced Legal Counsel

We have extensive experience handling a wide variety of adoption and CPS cases.  Sondra Kaighen is Board Certified in Family Law, and we have over 40 years of combined legal experience in family law matters.  We understand adoption and CPS cases are often difficult and confusing, and we strive to provide vigorous representation to our clients while helping them through the process.  To arrange a consultation to discuss your case, contact Sondra Kaighen & Associates, P.C. today.