Termination & Adoption in Texas
Helping You Build or Protect the Family You Deserve
At Haugen Law Firm, P.C., we understand that adoption is not just a legal transaction—it’s a life-changing event. Whether you’re looking to welcome a child into your home or take legal steps to protect a child’s well-being, our team of family law attorneys is here to guide you with clarity, care, and strength.
Based in Lewisville and proudly serving families across Denton County, we help clients navigate the complex, emotional, and often delicate legal processes of termination of parental rights and adoption—ensuring that every step is handled with the precision and compassion your family deserves.
Texas Adoption Law: What You Need to Know
Adoption legally establishes a parent-child relationship between individuals who are not biologically related. It grants the adoptive parent(s) the same rights and responsibilities as biological parents and often involves legally terminating one or both birthparents’ parental rights before finalization.
At Haugen Law, our attorneys assist with a wide range of adoption cases, including:
- Stepparent Adoptions
- Relative or Grandparent Adoptions
- Agency Adoptions
- Private or Independent Adoptions
- Foster-to-Adopt
- Same-Sex Couple and Single-Parent Adoptions
- Adult Adoptions
We help you navigate the paperwork, court appearances, and home studies involved in the process, working hard to protect your rights and eliminate delays.
Termination of Parental Rights in Texas
Before most adoptions can proceed, parental rights must be legally terminated—either voluntarily by the biological parent(s) or involuntarily through a court order. Termination is a serious legal step and must meet strict legal standards under Texas law.
Voluntary Termination typically occurs when a biological parent agrees that adoption is in the child’s best interest.
Involuntary Termination may happen when there is a history of:
- Abandonment or neglect
- Abuse or endangerment
- Failure to support the child financially or emotionally
- Criminal conduct or imprisonment
At Haugen Law Firm, we approach termination cases with strategic precision and emotional sensitivity, always keeping the child’s safety and long-term stability at the forefront.
Open vs. Closed Adoptions: What’s Right for You?
Adoptions in Texas may be either open (where the birthparents and adoptive parents share information and maintain contact) or closed (where identities remain confidential). We will walk you through the pros and cons of each model and help you structure an agreement that aligns with your preferences and the child’s best interests.
We also counsel clients on important considerations, such as:
- Post-placement contact agreements
- Financial support allowed during pregnancy
- Interstate and international adoption complexities
- The rights of biological fathers
Why Families Choose Haugen Law
Our firm brings more than just legal skill—we bring real-world experience, strong community roots, and a child-centered approach. Whether you're growing your family through adoption or seeking to protect a child through termination, we provide:
- Clear communication
- Detailed guidance through every legal step
- Extensive courtroom experience when needed
- Compassionate, responsive service from start to finish
Begin the Next Chapter With Confidence
Bringing a child into your life—or ensuring their protection—is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make. Let Haugen Law Firm, P.C. help you take that step with confidence and peace of mind.
Call us today at (972) 460-6798. Serving families in Lewisville, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Denton County, and surrounding areas.
What Our Clients Are Saying
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"Honest and Straight Forward"Mr. Haugen was very straight forward and looked at all the factors that could affect me case. He acted on the matter quickly and it was immediately addressed. I appreciate his honest and straight forward demeanor.
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"Salvaged My Situation"After meeting with Mr. Haugen, I felt he was honest, qualified and had a commitment to my best interest, which my previous attorney failed to do. Mr. Haugen was up against salvaging my situation my previous attorney made a mess of. Mr. Haugen is an honest and extremely competent attorney who is tough, yet remains calm and collected. He salvaged the mess I was in and helped me to move on. For that I greatly appreciate his service.
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"I Had Nothing To Worry About"I was informed on what was going on and what to expect. I felt like I was treated with respect, and that my situation was very important to the firm. And I had nothing to worry about.
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"Great team you can count on!"John and all the staff are knowledgeable, compassionate, and committed to obtaining the best results.- HMercado
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"Not Enough Money Or Words To Show How I Feel"I don't have enough money or words to show how I feel. I can't express enough how much I really appreciate everything.
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