If you’ve dreamed of adopting but worry that being single or unmarried might stand in your way, you’re not alone. But do you have to be married to adopt in Texas? The short and reassuring answer is no. Texas law allows any adult to adopt, whether single, in a relationship, or part of an unmarried couple.
Yet, so many hopeful parents hesitate, held back by outdated ideas about who can adopt. Some worry that being single or unmarried will make the process harder. Others assume only traditional families are considered. The truth is far simpler — Texas adoption laws focus on a child’s well-being, not a parent’s relationship status.
Of course, all prospective adoptive parents must meet certain requirements. Background checks, home studies, and financial assessments apply to everyone, though single applicants or unmarried couples may be asked to provide additional documentation, such as long-term guardianship plans.
If you meet the requirements, being single or unmarried won’t prevent you from adopting. Partnering with an adoption agency in Dallas can simplify the process, providing guidance on requirements, assisting with paperwork, and supporting you at every step.
Regardless of your marital or relationship status, if you can provide a child with a loving home, we’re here to help you make it happen. Read on to learn how you can adopt in Texas.
Legal Facts About Marital Status and Adoption in Texas
Texas law allows any adult to adopt, regardless of marital status. Before an adoption can proceed, both biological parents must voluntarily relinquish their rights or have them legally terminated.
If the child is 12 or older, they must also consent unless a judge grants an exception. Final adoption decisions rest with the court, which evaluates reports, home studies, and legal filings before granting parental rights.
There are different legal pathways to adoption depending on the circumstances. Single individuals can adopt independently or through an agency. Unmarried couples can adopt jointly, but if only one partner is the legal adoptive parent, the other may need to pursue second-parent adoption (also called a co-parent adoption). Kinship adoption is also an option for relatives providing a stable home for a child in their extended family.
Though the law allows adoption for most adults, important eligibility requirements must still be met, including:
- Being at least 21 years old
- Providing proof of financial stability
- Completing an adoption application
- Sharing background and lifestyle information
- Providing references
- Passing a home study with interviews and home visits
- Submitting to criminal background and child abuse checks
- Completing pre-adoption training as required
Meeting these criteria ensures every adoptive parent is prepared to provide a safe, stable home, regardless of marital status.
Do You Have To Be Married To Adopt in Texas vs. Other States
Outside of Texas, there are a few other states that have rules on adoption and marital status.
States like New York (N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 110 (2022).) and Delaware (Del. Code tit. 13, § 903(2)(d) (2022) allows unmarried couples to adopt jointly. Washington State has allowed this as well, though it’s not strictly on the books.
“Co-parent adoption” or “second-parent adoption” is more common, allowing the adoptive parent to submit a request for their partner to have legal custody. This does not terminate the first parent’s right.
Outside of Texas, co-parent adoptions are typically allowed in:
- California
- Colorado
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Vermont
- And more
It’s important to note that second-parent adoptions aren’t always available and additional rules apply. It’s generally easier for married couples to get a second-parent adoption. Unmarried or domestic partners can adopt in certain states. For same-sex couples, certain states and certain counties explicitly allow second-parent adoption.
Different Adoption Options for Dallas Residents
After reviewing “Do you have to be married to adopt in Texas,” we’ll cover how to adopt a child in Dallas.
Hopeful parents have several options based on their circumstances and preferences. While all adoption paths lead to providing a stable, loving home, some are more complex than others.
Private Domestic Adoption
For many families, private domestic adoption is the most straightforward route. This process is handled through an adoption agency or attorney and involves expectant mothers voluntarily placing their child for adoption.
Since private adoptions don’t involve the state foster system or international legalities, the process tends to be smoother, with fewer delays and bureaucratic hurdles.
Foster-to-Adopt
Adopting through Texas’s foster care system is another option, but it often comes with more unpredictability. Some children in foster care are already eligible for adoption.
Others may have uncertain legal statuses, which can lengthen the process. For example, a child in foster care may still be in the process of termination of parental rights, or there may be ongoing legal disputes involving the biological parents, relatives, or other parties with potential custody claims.
The process is also heavily state-regulated, requiring additional approvals before final adoption.
International Adoption
International adoption involves immigration laws, foreign adoption regulations, and extensive paperwork. It’s a highly regulated process with longer timelines and additional costs. Most domestic agencies, including ours, do not facilitate international adoptions.
Private adoption is often the best choice for parents wanting a smoother, more predictable process with less stress and fewer legal complications.
The Home Study Process for Unmarried Parents
Before adopting in Dallas, every hopeful parent must complete a home study, a thorough assessment conducted by licensed social workers or caseworkers. This process ensures that adoptive parents can provide a stable, loving home for a child.
While all applicants are evaluated on financial readiness, emotional stability, and overall household environment, caseworkers adapt their approach to account for marital status.
- For married couples, evaluators assess the relationship as a unit, reviewing how responsibilities are shared, how conflicts are resolved, and how both spouses contribute to creating a stable home. Both partners must petition together, demonstrating their joint commitment to parenting.
- For unmarried couples, caseworkers may scrutinize long-term commitment and co-parenting plans more. If only one partner is the legal adoptive parent, agencies often request clarification on support roles, future guardianship arrangements, and the non-adopting partner’s role in the child’s life.
For single parents, the focus shifts toward external support networks. Caseworkers examine extended family, friends, or community ties to ensure a strong safety net. Establishing designated caregivers for backup childcare and emergencies is particularly important.
Support System Evaluation by Marital Status
| Factor | Married Couples | Unmarried Couples | Single Parents |
| Parental Role Assessment | Evaluated as a joint unit | Must clarify shared parenting roles or designate a primary caregiver | Sole responsibility assessed |
| Financial Stability | Joint finances assessed | Joint and individual financial evaluation | Single-income stability emphasized |
| Support System | Spousal support, extended family considered | Additional scrutiny on external support network if one partner is not a legal guardian | Strong focus on backup caregivers and extended family |
| Childcare & Emergency Plans | Shared responsibility | If only one partner adopts, they must clarify contingency plans | Must outline detailed plans for emergencies and long-term care |
Regardless of marital status, caseworkers want to see a plan — who will provide care, how parenting responsibilities will be handled, and what support exists. A strong, well-documented support system reassures everyone involved that a child will have stability, no matter what.
Key Differences in the Process
Adoption timelines in Texas are not fixed: They can range from six months to two years or more, depending on factors like agency policies, home study evaluations, and birth parent preferences. While the unmarried adoption process follows the same key steps for all prospective parents, some aspects may take longer based on family structure.
The first phase includes submitting an application, completing pre-adoption education, and undergoing a home study (3 to 6 months). This involves background checks, home visits, and interviews with a social worker.
For single parents and unmarried couples, agencies may require additional documentation, such as financial proof or legal agreements on guardianship and co-parenting. Home study workers may also apply more scrutiny to ensure stability, which can extend this phase.
📌 [Timeline graphic here]
1️⃣ Application & Home Study (3–6 months)
2️⃣ Matching Process (6–24 months)
3️⃣ Placement & Supervision (6 months)
4️⃣ Finalization (1–2 months)
After approval, waiting for a birth mother match can take six months to two years. This timeline can be affected by your adoption preferences (openness to different backgrounds, levels of contact, etc.) and the birth mother’s choice.
Many expectant mothers prefer traditional two-parent households, meaning single and unmarried applicants may face longer waits. To improve your chances, highlight a strong support system, stable home life, and parenting strengths in your adoption profile.
Financial Requirements and Planning
Many hopeful parents worry they need to be wealthy to adopt, but that’s not the case. Children don’t need riches — they need love, security, and a home where they can thrive. Instead, adoption agencies and caseworkers look for financial stability; they want to see that you can provide for a child’s needs without hardship.
If you’re adopting as a single parent, caseworkers evaluate your financial stability based on your individual income. They’ll likely ask for tax returns, pay stubs, and proof of steady employment or assets.
Unmarried couples must provide similar documentation, but since Texas law doesn’t automatically recognize both partners as legal parents, agencies often assess each partner’s finances separately. This helps ensure that, should circumstances change, the child’s well-being remains secure.
Agencies also check for financial reserves — a buffer to cover unexpected costs. While there’s no legal requirement, having three to six months of living expenses saved shows preparedness. Adoption can also bring unexpected expenses, so caseworkers may ask how you plan to manage the cost of adoption in Dallas without impacting long-term financial stability.
Finally, you’ll need health insurance that covers your future child. If adopting with a partner, check if their plan allows dependent coverage. Having these pieces in place reassures agencies (and birth mothers) that your child will always have what they need.
Required Support System Documentation
Raising a child takes more than just one person, so when adopting as a single parent or unmarried couple, having a reliable support system is key. Adoption agencies want to see that you have trusted people in your life — friends, family, or mentors — who can step in when needed.
As part of the process, agencies may ask you to name designated alternative caregivers who can provide temporary care if an emergency arises. These individuals typically need to provide their contact details, undergo a background check, and sign a statement confirming their willingness to step in when needed. Having this layer of security ensures that no matter what happens, your child will always have a safe and familiar place to turn.
Agencies will also ask about childcare arrangements if you work outside the home. They’ll want to know who will look after your child daily (whether it’s a daycare, a nanny, or a trusted family member) and what backup plans you have if those arrangements change. A solid plan demonstrates your readiness to provide a stable, secure home.
Finally, agencies require reference letters from family members, close friends, or mentors who can vouch for your adoption readiness. These letters should speak to your character, parenting ability, and support system, helping agencies and birth mothers understand the environment in which your child will be raised.
Legal Documentation for Unmarried Adopters
Adoption agencies and birth mothers want to be satisfied that every child is placed in a secure, well-prepared home. While Texas law doesn’t require extra legal steps for unmarried adopters, agencies may request additional documentation to confirm long-term stability and preparedness.
Do you have to be married to adopt in Texas? No, but if you’re adopting as a single parent, some agencies may request a Single-Status Verification — a sworn statement confirming that you are not legally married. This prevents legal complications and ensures there are no other parental claims to the child.
Agencies may also ask for Power of Attorney (POA) and medical authorization forms. These documents designate a trusted person to make legal and medical decisions for your child if you are unavailable. This is particularly important for single parents, as it clarifies who can step in during emergencies.
Lastly, many agencies strongly recommend appointing a legal guardian for your child. Naming a guardian in a will or official document reassures agencies and birth mothers that your child’s future care is accounted for, offering additional peace of mind for everyone involved.
Starting Your Adoption Process
Taking the first steps toward adoption is exciting, but it helps to be prepared. If you’re wondering how to adopt a child in Dallas, researching your options and understanding the process is the best place to start.
Step 1: Choose Your Adoption Path
Some families work with an adoption agency, others go through an adoption attorney, and some choose foster-to-adopt. Each has different timelines and requirements, so take time to find the best fit for your situation.
Step 2: Organize Your Paperwork
Adoption requires detailed documentation, including background checks and financial records. Getting these in order early helps prevent delays, and requirements may differ slightly for single or unmarried applicants.
Step 3: Complete Any Required Training
Training requirements depend on the adoption path. Foster-to-adopt parents typically must complete PRIDE training (Parents Resource for Information Development Education), which takes about 25 to 30 hours. PRIDE training covers birth family connections, attachment, behavior problems and management, and sexual abuse. They may also need to get CPR/first aid certified and take courses on trauma-informed parenting.
Private adoption agencies may require training on newborn care, open adoption, or legal rights. Independent adoptions typically have fewer training requirements but vary by case.
Step 4: Schedule Your Home Study
A home study is required for all adoptions, so starting early helps keep everything on track. Being available for visits and preparing your home can make the process go smoothly.
Need guidance? If you’re considering working with an adoption agency, they can help you with every step.
Wrapping Up: Do You Have To Be Married To Adopt in Texas?
So, we’ve put to rest the myth of do you have to be married to adopt in Texas, and the answer is a firm no. No matter your marital status, you have every right and opportunity to adopt, start a family, or grow the one you already have. What truly matters is your commitment, stability, and the love you’re ready to share with a child.
The most important thing now is to get the ball rolling as smoothly as possible. Gather your documents, prepare for your home study, and stay proactive with any training or extra steps required.
Some parts of the process may take a little longer for single or unmarried applicants, but don’t let that discourage you. Every step brings you closer to welcoming a child into your life.
And remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Just like it takes a village to raise a child, having the right team beside you can make all the difference.
At Angel Adoption, we’re here to help you every step of the way. As an adoption agency in Dallas, we provide guidance, resources, and unwavering support to make your journey to parenthood as seamless as possible. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out today: Your family’s future is waiting.
