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Criminal Defense

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

  • Dallas Bar Association
  • Denton Bar Association
  • Lead Counsel Rated
  • American Association for Justice
    "He is extremely knowledgeable and it was such a pleasure working with the entire team."
    I highly recommend Conner Haugen for Estate Planning. After losing my parents, I knew I needed to get my affairs in order and I was so impressed at how thoroughly everything was addressed. He is extremely knowledgeable and it was such a pleasure working with the entire team.
    "Great team you can count on!"
    John and all the staff are knowledgeable, compassionate, and committed to obtaining the best results.
    - HMercado
    "High Ethical Standards"
    Everything was clearly explained. I could tell Mr. H has very high ethical standards which created a sense of trust for us. He was thorough and met all my deadlines. I've had only negative experiences before Mr. H regarding lawyers. I will be recommending him to everyone who needs legal help.
    "Conner is exactly the lawyer you want in the trenches with you representing you in a divorce, or any case, for that matter."
    I don't even know where to begin to describe the amazing job accomplished by Conner and the Haugen Law Firm Team in my divorce case that spanned the course of nearly 4 years! Conner is exactly the lawyer you want in the trenches with you representing you in a divorce, or any case, for that matter. His work is thorough, very organized, professional, detailed, aggressive, and effective- a true class act! Conner and the whole team put me at ease during the most difficult time in my life. No human should have to go to court the extreme amount that I had to in my very litigious divorce, but I was always confident with Conner as my representation and advocate. Hiring him was the best decision I made in this whole process. I am forever grateful to Conner and the whole Haugen Law Firm team for their hard work and dedication in my case. Highly recommend!
    "I highly recommend Conner for any legalities you may be facing. Worth. Every. Penny!"
    I have nothing but good things to say about Conner & his staff. Everyone has been so polite & timely through this 6 month process. Conner has superseded what I thought was going to be the end of the world. I highly recommend Conner for any legalities you may be facing. Worth. Every. Penny!
    "If you need legal assistance, choose the Haugen Law Firm."
    Truly a wonderful experience working with the Haugen Law Firm. They did a terrific job of helping me navigate my legal issue from helping me understand the options I had to getting the desired outcome. If you need legal assistance, choose the Haugen Law Firm.
    "Connor was excellent in handling my case."
    Connor was excellent in handling my case. His knowledge and professionalism was outstanding. The Haugen Law office was incredibly friendly and professional. What a wonderful team to work with! I highly recommend them if you are looking for high quality lawyers.
    "I'm greatly appreciative of their hard work."
    My experience with Haugen Law firm met all my expectations, their professionalism, made very clear from inception the steps to follow in this divorce procedure. I'm greatly satisfied in the timely manner that they resolve it. Despite the fact of the opposite council constant negativity, they knew how to approach with very good knowledge and confidence. I'm greatly appreciative of their hard work.

    Contact Haugen Law Firm, P.C. Today!

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