In Texas, what is the first step in the adoption process?

Securing consent from biological parents is the first step in the adoption process in Texas because it is essential to ensure that the rights of the biological parents are addressed before moving forward with the legal proceedings. Obtaining consent is crucial for establishing the foundation upon which the adoption will be based, as it involves legally relinquishing parental rights, which allows for the adoption to proceed without legal hurdles later on.

Once consent is secured, the process can move on to filing paperwork with the court, conducting home studies, and finding an appropriate adoption agency. These steps are important parts of the overall adoption process, but they follow the critical initial step of obtaining the appropriate consents necessary for a smooth transition into adoption. Understanding the importance of parental consent in this legal context clarifies its position as the first step in the adoption process.